Diabetes toolkits available from Health Department Steps Program

BISBEE, AZ – Can a diabetic person partake in those yummy holiday deserts? You bet! With the right tools and information, diabetics CAN learn how to manage their disease by eating smart this season and the Cochise County Health Department Steps Program can help.

Now available are diabetes toolkits, provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services, entitled “A Roadmap to Taking Charge of Your Diabetes.” Each kit contains information on healthy eating, glucose self-management, questions for the doctor and local resources. Also included are guidelines and tools to minimize diabetes complications such as a diabetic alert bracelet, a pill box, and mirror used for foot exams.

“Whether you are newly diagnosed or have had diabetes for a number of years, there is something for everyone in these kits,” says Robin Falconer, Director of Prevention Services. “We are very excited to make them available to the community.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2005 an estimated 21 million Americans had diabetes, and another 54 million had pre-diabetes.  In Cochise county, 13 percent of residents have been formally diagnosed.  A diagnosis of diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, chronic kidney disease, stroke, and blindness. Melissa Avant, Steps Program Coordinator, said, “Diabetes is a serious, chronic condition.  These kits will provide education and awareness to patients with chronic diabetes.”

These diabetes toolkits are available in both English and Spanish and will be distributed from the Bisbee office of the Health Department while supplies last.  One kit per person, please.  Interested persons should contact Melissa Avant at 432-9451 for details.