KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

November 5, 1997

Contact: Jennie Tasheff

785-296-1207

Kansas Diabetics Can Improve Health

While more Kansas than ever are suffering from diabetes, there is something they can do to improve their health.

"Eating healthy foods at regular intervals and doing some physical activity every day are among the most beneficial things diabetics can do to keep their glucose in balance and reduce the complications of diabetes," said Dr. Steven Potsic, state health officer and director of the KDHE Division of Health.

Diagnosed diabetics are about five percent of the Kansas population. Up to another five percent are undiagnosed diabetics.

Dr. Potsic notes better nutrition and increased physical activity benefit everyone. Rather than preparing special desserts for the diabetic, the whole family can benefit from eating less sugar and fat, and finding alternatives that are advantageous for all.

For example, fresh fruit or water packed canned fruit are good dessert choices for everyone. Altering cooking habits to include more baked and broiled meats in place of fried foods is also beneficial.

KDHE surveyed Kansas diabetics in 1996. The findings include:

• 50% of Kansas diabetics were between the ages of 40 and 65 when they were diagnosed,
• 50% of Kansans who reported having diabetes were over age 62,
• almost 50% of Kansas diabetics report spending in excess of $100 per month on medications and supplies, and 25% of diabetics have trouble paying these costs, and
• 55% of diabetics also report having hypertension.

"Many of the 1,200 deaths in Kansas each year from diabetes or from conditions aggravated by diabetes can be prevented," said Dr. Potsic.

For more information about the signs and symptoms of diabetes, or information on how to keep diabetes under control, contact the Kansas office of the American Diabetes Association at 800-362-1355 or the KDHE Diabetes Control Program at 785-291-3742.

Nearly six percent of the U.S. population or 15.7 million people have diabetes.