The Louisiana Department of Health is urging Louisiana residents to get health screenings to determine if they are pre-diabetic or have diabetes. Director of Well Ahead Louisiana, Melissa Martin says adults over a certain age should be more mindful of the risk of diabetes.
“Anyone between the age of 35 and 70 years old who have over weight or obesity really should find out what their risk is for developing pre-diabetes or diabetes,” said Martin.
LDH says diabetes affects 14% of Louisiana residents. Also about 1 in 3 Louisiana residents are pre-diabetic with blood sugar levels higher than normal.
Martin says residents who are at risk have access to resources with the state’s Well-Ahead program, which partners with six community sites throughout Louisiana to assist residents with diabetes prevention.
“Well Ahead Louisiana is trying to encourage those organizations to share resources around prevention and really create environments that make the healthier choice the easier choice,” said Martin.
Diabetes is a largely preventable condition, Martin says residents can simply visit WellAheadLa.com.
“Take a risk test its a self assessment it just identifies some common risk factors related to your weight and it helps you learn if there is something you should probably go talk to your doctor about,” said Marin.
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