Your Body Called & Left a Message:

Answer the Call for Diabetes Awareness

Take Charge of Your Health: Your Diabetes Information Hub

The New Jersey Primary Care Association and the New Jersey Department of Health have partnered to bring you easy-to-understand, life-changing information about diabetes. Whether you’re living with diabetes, at risk, or just want to learn more, this page is your toolbox of resources, programs, and contacts to help you take control of your health. Because let’s face it, who needs more challenges? Let’s make sure diabetes isn’t one of them.

Understanding Diabetes: The Basics

Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively. If left unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.

In New Jersey, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death among adults, so it’s more important than ever to know the facts.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Age 45 or older
  • Family history of diabetes
  • High blood pressure or cholesterol
  • Physical inactivity
  • Gestational diabetes (if you were pregnant with diabetes)

Diabetes Affects About:

Million Americians
0

Did you Know?

That is about 1 in every 10 people

1 in every 5 people don't know they have it

Prediabetes: Know the Warning Signs

Even if you don’t have diabetes, you might have prediabetes, which happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. A person with prediabetes is at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, including heart disease, and stroke.

Diabetes Screening

Many people with diabetes or prediabetes have no symptoms at all. A simple blood test can detect problems early and help you take action. Diagnosing diabetes early gives you more treatment options and helps you avoid serious complications.

Could You Have Prediabetes?

Take the Test

Where to Start: Call NJ 2-1-1

Need help now? Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a real person who can connect you with local diabetes education and prevention programs. It’s a free service that gives you quick access to information, support, and answers right when you need them.

Free Diabetes Programs in New Jersey

New Jersey has three free, proven programs to help you manage or prevent diabetes:

National Diabetes Prevention Program (DDP)

A year-long program aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes by encouraging people to make real lifestyle changes like eating healthier, including physical activity that you can easily fit into your life, and in general helping you to deal with life and problems better. You will be able to meet with a trained lifestyle coach and a small group of people who are also trying to get healthier.  That’s because group support can help you get healthy and stay healthy.  Sessions are once a week for 6 months and then once a month for 6 months.

The DPP program has been proven to delay or prevent the start of type 2 diabetes in people with Impaired Glucose Treatment (IGT). The DDP found that by eating right and exercising regularly, someone with IGT can really lower their chances of developing diabetes. Click here to learn more about the DPP.

Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME)

The Diabetes Self-Management Education (DMSE) and training teaches you how to be in control of your diabetes and skills to change your actions to successfully manage your diabetes. You will learn how to create healthy habits to live a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. The DMSE training is special because your own needs, goals, and life experiences are put first. When you are living with diabetes, it’s important to make choices that keep you and your loved ones healthy. Click here to learn more about the DSME.

The Diabetes Foundation

The Diabetes Foundation can help you or a loved one get support to prevent, treat and manage diabetes.  The Diabetes CARELine, Self-Management Programs, and Personalized Care Planning offer everyday tools to support better health.  Click here to learn more about the Diabetes Foundation.

Talk to Your Doc!

You and your doctor are partners in your care.  If you don’t understand something when you go to these sites or in the doctor’s office, write the questions down and ask your doctor; they are there to help you and doctors appreciate the fact that you care about your health.  Your family can support you too by helping you to eat healthier and exercising with you.  Together, your team can help you be well and stay well.  

Additional Resources

Supported by Funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the New Jersey Department of Health, Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.

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