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Diabetes

The Heart Disease and Diabetes Prevention program oversees federal funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Funding allows contractors to work on proven strategies in diabetes care across the state. Work is being done in three main areas: 

  1. Improving access to care.
  2. Connecting more people to diabetes prevention and self-management programs.
  3. Promoting healthy behaviors.

Red ovals = red blood cells, White circles = blood sugar

Diabetes is a chronic disease.  It affects how well the body manages blood sugar. Most food is turned to glucose (or sugar) in the body.  The sugar goes through the bloodstream to the cells.  The cells use the sugar for energy.  The amount of sugar in the bloodstream is controlled by a hormone called insulin.

With diabetes, either the body does not make enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does make well.  This causes high levels of sugar in the bloodstream.  Over time, when blood sugar levels stay high it leads to diabetes.  Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health problems.

Many factors can lead to diabetes:

  • A family history of diabetes
  • Prediabetes
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Follow an unhealthy diet
  • Are physically inactive
  • Are over the age of 45
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • Are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino or Pacific Islander

  • In 2020, 13% of Oklahoma adults had been diagnosed with diabetes.  This is higher than the US total of 10.6%.1 (I kept 2020 number since all other stats were from that year)
  • African Americans and American Indians have the highest rates of diabetes.1
  • In 2020, nearly one in every four seniors was diagnosed with diabetes.1
  • The death rate for diabetes is higher in Oklahoma than in the US.

Prediabetes is when there is more sugar in the bloodstream than normal.  But it is not enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. It is estimated one in every 3 adults has prediabetes.2 Of those people, over 80% don’t know they have it. 

This serious health condition can be reversed. But it can also lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke if not managed. Lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating helps control how much sugar is in the bloodstream. Physical activity helps insulin work better. Programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program can help people living with prediabetes make those lifestyle changes.

National Diabetes Prevention Program:

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is a lifestyle change program created by the CDC. This year long program is designed to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. People living with prediabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes can participate. The program encourages healthy eating and regular physical activity. These lifestyle changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes and improve overall health. For information on class locations across the state, go to the 'National Diabetes Prevention Programs' tab.

Type 1 diabetes happens when the body’s immune system attacks itself.  The body stops making insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that controls how much sugar is in the bloodstream.  Without insulin, blood sugar levels get dangerously higher than normal.  About 5-10% of all diabetes cases are type 1 diabetes.3

There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.  This serious health condition can be managed with lifestyle changes and insulin injections.  Healthy eating helps control how much sugar is in the bloodstream. Physical activity helps insulin work better.  Insulin injections manage blood sugar levels.  Without insulin severe complications and even death can occur.  Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs can help people living with diabetes live longer, healthier lives. 

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs:

For people living with diabetes, Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs are available.  Participants learn how to manage diabetes better.  Information is tailored to meet the needs of the individual.  Classes cover goal setting, blood sugar and medication management and lifestyle changes. 

Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are dangerously higher than normal.  Insulin is a hormone that controls how much sugar is in the bloodstream.  Some people with type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin.  Other people make enough insulin but it doesn’t work properly.  Blood sugar levels often increase over time.  There may not be any noticeable symptoms. 

This serious health condition can be managed with lifestyle changes.  Healthy eating helps control how much sugar is in bloodstream. Physical activity helps insulin work better.  Losing weight helps reduce complications.  Medications may also be needed.  Medication options range from pills to injections.  Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support programs can help people living with diabetes live longer, healthier lives.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs

For people living with diabetes, Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs are available.  Participants learn how to manage diabetes better. Information is tailored to meet the needs of the individual.  Classes cover goal setting, blood sugar and medication management and lifestyle changes. For information on class locations across the state, go to the 'Diabetes Self Management and Education Support in Oklahoma' tab.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes starting during pregnancy.  Untreated, this can cause serious complications for both mom and baby.  In most cases the diabetes goes away after the baby is born.

Women who had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.  Lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay that risk.  Healthy eating and exercise are important lifestyle changes.  Programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) can help.

National Diabetes Prevention Program

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is a lifestyle change program through the CDC.  This year long program is designed to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.  People living with prediabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes can participate.  The program encourages healthy eating and regular physical activity. These lifestyle changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes and improve overall health.

On November 1, 2015 Oklahoma Senate Bill 250 became law.  This bill pairs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the State Department of Health to work together on diabetes prevention.  There are three main goals in the bill. 

  1. To reduce how many Oklahomans are living with diabetes.
  2. To improve health care services for diabetes.
  3. To control the complications resulting from diabetes. 

The latest Diabetes Prevention Report can be found here:

Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
The Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK  73102-6406

Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
The Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK

Phone: (405) 426-8300
Fax: (405) 900-7610
Email: Center@health.ok.gov

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