IDAHO DATA

 

In 2021 diabetes was the eighth leading cause of death in Idaho, causing 3% of all deaths.

 

In 2021, an estimated 138,739 Idaho adults, or 9.8 percent of the adult population have been diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, the CDC estimates that 38 percent of the adult population nationwide live with pre-diabetes and many are unaware that they have it.

 

FINANCIAL IMPACT

 

According to the CDC, direct medical costs of diagnosed diabetes in Idaho are $956 million, annually. These costs come in the form of medications, healthcare provider appointments, and medical devices and supplies. If diabetes is not properly managed, the costs may occur as a result of non-traumatic amputations, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and hospital visits to address dangerous hypoglycemia events.

 

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

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There are no known prevention methods for type 1 diabetes. To lower the risk of prediabetes, gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, individuals can do the following:

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• Consume a moderate amount of nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Reduce consumption of sugar, processed carbohydrates, saturated fat, and high sodium foods.

• Engage in consistent physical activity. Each week adults should exercise for 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) if it is moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) if it is vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.

• Manage body weight and prevent obesity. The more mass the body has, the more insulin that needs to be produced by the pancreas or taken through injections.

• Quit smoking and vaping tobacco products.

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Idaho Diabetes Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) Program Initiatives:

Currently, the Idaho DHDSP Program utilizes CDC funding to promote and manage the following programs to address diabetes in Idaho:

National Diabetes Prevention Program

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through sustainable lifestyle changes. Diabetes Prevention Programs are offered throughout the state to help decrease an individual’s risk for diabetes. Trained lifestyle coaches lead these programs by guiding a group of individuals through a series of interactive sessions. Each session features different techniques to help adopt a healthier lifestyle and prevent or delay diabetes.  The DHDSP Program offers value-based scholarships to high-burden populations that are disproportionately affected by prediabetes.

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Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program

If an individual has been diagnosed with diabetes, they can receive a referral from a healthcare provider for the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program. Trained healthcare professionals, who can discuss how nutrition, medication and physical activity can help manage diabetes, deliver this program. This helps individuals with Type 1 and 2 diabetes keep their blood glucose in a normal range.

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Leverage and Encourage Multidisciplinary Teams

Healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, community health workers, dietitians, and social workers are often an untapped resource for diabetes prevention and management. To prevent diabetes and its complications, it is pertinent to increase healthcare professionals’ awareness of and involvement with the prevention and treatment of prediabetes and diabetes. Idaho supports healthcare organizations in establishing the necessary infrastructure to implement systems to screen, test, refer and educate adults (ages 18-75) with prediabetes and diabetes.

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For diabetes and other health data please visit the Population Health Data section.

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