Diabetes News You Can Use
August 2023
Diabetes News You Can Use is a free news bulletin of the Texas Department of State Health Services. It is compiled by the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program and highlights information and news related to diabetes.
Spotlight
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) created a podcast called Diabetes Day by Day with hosts Neil Skolnik, MD, and Sara Wettergreen, PharmD, DCACP, BC-ADM. They discuss the daily challenges of living with diabetes and offer advice and encouragement. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon Music, or Spotify.
Programs in Texas
Your Texas Benefits Webpage
The Texas Health and Human Services, Your Texas Benefits program website includes information and resources for different programs that provide assistance and relief, including SNAP Food Benefits, TANF Cash Help, Health Care benefits, Support Services, and WIC Food Benefits. To learn more about the programs offered, visit their website where you can apply and manage your personal account online.
Diabetes News and Resources
ADCES Spanish Language Diabetes Handouts
The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists provides resources in Spanish for people who suffer from diabetes and prediabetes. The resources include handouts that focus on healthy eating, staying active, medications, healthy coping, and an overview of diabetes education and care specialists.
Move Your Way
Move Your Way is a physical activity campaign from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It offers interactive tools, educational videos, and helpful fact sheets for adults, teens, pregnant women, older adults, and more.
SNAP-Ed Toolkit – Physical Activity Resources
The Physical Activity Resources section of the SNAP-Ed Toolkit offers online resources for physical education that can be used virtually. There are videos, games, and exercise techniques for all age groups and phases of life.
Journal Articles
Rapid Decline in Beta Cell Function and Increasing Adiposity are Associated with Conversion to Type 2 Diabetes in At-Risk Latino Youth
March 27, 2023 – Diabetes, ADA
Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is becoming more common, especially among Latino youth. The direct cause of this increase is not yet known. However, type 2 diabetes increase in at-risk Latino youth is correlated with increases in fasting glucose, HbA1C, and adiposity. The overall change rate of type 2 diabetes over the past five years was two percent.
Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosed Early in Pregnancy
June 8, 2023 – The New England Journal of Medicine
This study includes women between 28 days to 139 days pregnant who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and are at risk for hyperglycemia. The randomized group study showed a lower occurrence of adverse outcomes in the group that received immediate treatment for gestational diabetes before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus are more inactive and sedentary than apparently healthy peers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
May 8, 2023- Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
This meta-analysis shows that children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes are more inactive than their healthy peers. In addition, they are more likely to have lower cardiovascular fitness than those children without type 1 diabetes. The authors suggest that diabetes health professionals prioritize physical activity in diabetes clinical practice as a key part of treatment.
Other Diabetes Education Opportunities and Events
Webinars
ADA Ask the Experts: Healthy Eating When Juggling More than Diabetes
As part of their Ask the Experts free webinar series the ADA is offering a webinar on healthy eating habits for people with diabetes and other chronic diseases. The webinar will be from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET on September 12th, 2023.
ADA Ask the Experts: Trouble Sleeping at Night? Lack of Sleep Can Impact Your Health
As part of their Ask the Experts free webinar series, the ADA is hosting a webinar where they will share tools and education on the importance of sleep and how to improve sleeping habits. The webinar will be from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET on October 10th, 2023.
ADA Ask the Experts: Technology and Diabetes Health
As part of their Ask the Experts free webinar series, the ADA is offering a webinar to help people with diabetes understand advanced diabetes technologies and learn how to use them. The programs and devices include apps, smart pens, pumps, and heart monitors, which are an important part of diabetes treatment plans. The webinar will be from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM on September 12th, 2023.
Events/Announcements
Keeping Diabetes at Bay 5k Walk/Run |Texas A&M Healthy South Texas
Texas A&M Healthy South Texas is hosting a 5K walk/run on November 18, 2023, at the Cole Park Pier beginning at 7:30 AM. The walk/run will be along the bayfront of Corpus Christi. Registration and packet pick-up are found on the event webpage.
Run for One | Tyler Type One
Tyler Type One is hosting a walk/run/ride race to raise awareness for type 1 diabetes. The race will take place at Southside Park, along Rose Rudman Trail in Tyler, Texas on November 11, 2023, at 9:00 AM. Further details and registration information can be found on the event webpage.
Diabetes Education Classes – Diabetes Boot Camp Education Program: Round Rock | Baylor Scott & White Health
Baylor Scott & White Health is hosting a diabetes education boot camp at the Baylor Scott and White Clinic in Round Rock on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. This is a four session ADA-recognized Diabetes Self-Management Program that will provide basic skills to have healthy life with diabetes.
Diabetes Support Group | Methodist Health System
The Methodist Charlton Medical Center is hosting a Heart Health and Diabetes Support Group every third Tuesday of each month in 2023. In the group, participants will discuss their challenges and receive support from other members and health care providers. These meetings will take place in the Auditorium of the Methodist Charlton Outpatient Building in Dallas, Texas from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Lunch will be provided.
Living with Diabetes | Tarrant County Public Health
Tarrant County Public Health is hosting a health and wellness series called Living with Diabetes. The class will teach participants the importance of A1C readings, glucose monitoring and how to prevent complications. It will take place on October 7, 2023, at 3:00 PM at the Haltom City Public Library in Haltom City, Texas.
Diabetes Self-Management Class | AdventHealth Central Texas
Advent Health Central Texas is hosting a diabetes self-management class on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 1:00 PM- 4:30 PM. The class will help participants gain a better understanding of diabetes and how to control their blood sugar through healthy lifestyle habits. It will take place at the Education Building Classroom of Advent Health in Killeen, Texas. For further details and registration, go to the webpage.
University Branch Culinary Club: National Diabetes Month| Fort Bend County Libraries
Fort Bend County Libraries is hosting a Culinary Club for Diabetes Month. Culinary Club is a monthly potluck and recipe exchange meet that takes place at the University of Houston at Sugar Land in Meeting Room #1 on November 15, 2023, from 1:30 PM- 2:30 PM.
FAQ
Q: How can I share my concerns about diabetes issues in Texas?
A: The best way to share your concerns about diabetes issues in Texas is to attend a Texas Diabetes Council (TDC) meeting and make a public comment. The TDC addresses issues affecting people with diabetes in Texas and advises the Texas Legislature on legislation on diabetes issues. The TDC website has all details and information about the council members, meetings, and information of the TDC.
Q: Diabetes medication is very expensive. Are there any resources or programs to help me afford my medications and treatments?
A: The Texas Cares Annual Program Report includes existing discount and assistance programs on page 13. This includes drug discount programs, in-store value and online mail-order pharmacy options, co-pay cards, and patient assistance programs.