Today is World Diabetes Day and the Mississippi State Department of Health is calling on folks to know their numbers.
Knowing one’s numbers – cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index – is an important proactive step a person should take to reduce the chances of developing diabetes and other major chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect Mississippians, health officials contend.
Mississippi was ranked No. 2 in the nation for diabetes prevalence in 2023. An estimated one in six Magnolia State residents currently live with the disease, for which roughly 21,000 Mississippians are diagnosed annually.
Diabetes affects how the body uses food by causing sugar levels in the blood to be too high. Over time, high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, and amputations.
The state health department’s diabetes prevention and control program incentivizes the public to learn more about prevention and treatment options during its annual “Giving Diabetes the Blues” event, taking place on the following dates:
- Reception – November 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall, featuring Grammy-winner Bobby Rush. Pre-register via this link.
- Conference – November 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Two Museums. Pre-register here.
Mississippians are urged to safeguard their health by getting screened at a local health department at no cost. Officials add that screening can detect higher-than-normal blood sugar (pre-diabetes) before it develops into diabetes. One dealing with pre-diabetes can reduce future health risks by losing weight, becoming more active, and eating a healthier diet.
