Sanford, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) will conduct diabetes screenings throughout the month of November in recognition of National Diabetes Month. National Diabetes Month is observed every year to raise awareness about diabetes and promote the importance of taking steps to confront diabetes as a critical health issue. The theme for 2019 is Your Best Life Starts Here. The campaign's goal is to showcase the stories of people who are involved in the Diabetes Prevention lifestyle change program and give others the encouragement needed to take control of their health by joining the program as well.

"Our Diabetes Prevention and Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs are excellent educational and interactive tools to prevent and manage diabetes as well as provide a support system for families. The classes help individuals and families gain more knowledge on symptoms, testing and how to prevent diabetes or manage it if you have already been diagnosed," said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County offers the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME). The DPP is a lifestyle change program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help people reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetes, DSME provides individualized instruction from a Registered Dietitian on topics including healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring blood sugar and taking medication. The goal of DSME is to increase participants' knowledge and improve blood sugar control.

For more information about diabetes screening times or if you are interested in registering for the DPP or DSME programs, please contact Herronda Mortimer, DPP Coordinator at (407) 665-3011 or by email at Herronda.Mortimer@flhealth.gov or Emily Haller, DSME Coordinator at (407) 665-3339 or by email at Emily.Haller@flhealth.gov.

In Florida, it is estimated that over 2.4 million people have diabetes and over 5.8 million have prediabetes, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes has more than tripled in the last 20 years in the U.S.

There is not a cure yet for diabetes, but a healthy lifestyle can reduce its impact on your life. Thanks to better treatments, people with diabetes are now living longer-and with a better quality of life-than ever before. A blood test from your health care provider can determine if you have diabetes. Early treatment can prevent serious problems that diabetes can cause, such as loss of eyesight or kidney damage.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.