Diabetes Control Program

• In Kentucky, about 11 percent of adults have diagnosed diabetes, compared to 8 percent average across the U.S.
• About 366,000 Kentucky adults have diabetes
• Kentucky ranks fourth nationally in the rate of obesity and lack of physical activity
• 13 percent of Kentucky high school students have been told they were at risk of getting diabetes, due to their nutrition and activity habits
• Obesity, poor nutrition, and lack of regular physical activity are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
• There is a link between diabetes and heart disease, between diabetes and stroke, and between diabetes and death. 
• Other risk factors for diabetes include high blood pressure, high blood fats, pre-diabetes, having a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth, polycystic ovary syndrome, history of blood vessel disease, 45 years old or older, family history of diabetes or being in a high-risk population.
• An estimated 611,000 or 40 percent of Kentucky adults aged 40 to 74 have pre-diabetes and are high-risk for developing diabetes. However, 25 percent of diabetes cases can be prevented. Find out your risk with this online quiz from the American Diabetes Association.

Diabetes Control Program
The Health Department’s Diabetes Control Program is a self-management training program for adults, and is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. The program is facilitated by a  Certified Diabetes Educator/Registered Nurse and a Registered, Licensed Dietitian.  The Health Department offers group sessions to help you learn to manage your diabetes. Specific information is given on healthy eating, physical activity, coping with a chronic disease and more. The program is offered in the county health centers and in the community. Counseling is also available in Spanish upon request. For more information or to make an appointment, please call one of our educators, Joan Geohegan, RN, BSN, CDE, at 859.363.2115 or Julie Shapero, RD, LD, at 859.363.2116. . For a printable informational diabetes brochure, click here (Please note Adobe Acrobat is required to view the brochure).

Diabetes Classes
The Health Department routinely holds free classes on diabetes, with topics that include: what is diabetes, healthy eating, complications and more. The classes are led by a Registered Nurse and a Registered Dietitian. Learn more and register.

Diabetes Support Groups 
The Health Department sponsors three adult diabetes support groups:

• Boone County: Third Friday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Boone County Health Center, 7505 Burlington Pike, Florence, Ky
• Campbell County: second Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Campbell County Senior Center, 3504 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, Ky.
• Kenton County: First Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Durr Branch of the Kenton County Public Library, 1992 Walton-Nicholson Road, Independence, Ky.

Dates and times are subject to change, so please contact Joan Geohegan at 859.363.2115 to confirm

Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Twenty-five percent of Americans with diabetes don’t know they have the disease. Take a diabetes risk test to learn your risk for type 2 diabetes and whether you should follow up with one of the Health Department's diabetes educators to take steps to protect your health. For more information on diabetes, contact Joan Geohegan at 859.363.2115 or Julie Shapero at 859.363.2116

Needle Disposal
Need to dispose of needles or other medical waste at your home? The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection has created a fact sheet with tips on how to protect yourself and those who pick up your trash.                                 

Eye Exams
If you have diabetes, regular eye exams are crucial to avoid eye problems. Diabetes can lead to eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy. Make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible if you have diabetes and start to experience issues with your vision.