November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and two programs at New Mexico State University have been awarded grants from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation to continue its work to lower diabetes rates.
The On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes program teaches participants how to manage glucose levels better and reduce the complications that may result from uncontrolled diabetes. On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes was awarded $35,139.50 to enroll 125 participants into the program from the region including Anthony, Las Cruces, Sunland Park, and Chaparral, New Mexico.
“The significance of this grant in helping us to continue to offer our programs is huge as there is not a way that we can continue without any sort of funds,” said Lourdes Olivas, On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes program manager and Extension associate. “Even as we look to sustain our program, for On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes in particular, we work with community health workers to recruit and deliver the program in their communities.”
On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes program participants learn about the five most important tests for diabetes; learn how to discuss test results with health care providers; learn how to prepare healthy meals; and learn why it’s important to be physically active. One of the program’s objectives is to prevent complications such as kidney failure, amputations or vision loss for those living with Type 2 diabetes.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program, or National DPP, is an evidence-based lifestyle change program geared toward individuals with prediabetes or at high risk for Type 2 diabetes. Utilizing a curriculum developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NMSU Extension National DPP was awarded $43,483.44 to provide National DPP via distance learning to 50 residents in Doña Ana, Luna and Otero counties in southern New Mexico.
“According to the CDC, 88 million Americans, or 1 in 3 people, have prediabetes and don’t know that they have it. There are many challenges associated with creating healthy habits and setting realistic health goals that can be achieved. The impact of this grant from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation will significantly support people with prediabetes in southern New Mexico to decrease their risk of Type 2 diabetes and lead a healthier lifestyle,” said Lucinda Banegas-Carreon, Extension associate and assistant professor.
National DPP participants meet for 16 consecutive weeks for one hour before transitioning to monthly maintenance classes for a six-to-eight-month period. They benefit from a dedicated lifestyle coach, nutrition and physical activity information, and tools to reduce stress. Participants are placed in small support groups with individuals who share similar health-related experiences and goals. Active participants can decrease their risk by 58% just by participating in this proven lifestyle change program. The program is provided in both English and Spanish and is free to eligible participants.
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