Contact:
Claire Maher
Claire.Maher@flhealth.gov
813-559-4065

Hillsborough County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH- Hillsborough) emphasizes the importance of diabetes prevention and management during National Diabetes Awareness Month, recognized annually in November.

There are two main types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, which is not preventable, the body cannot produce enough insulin, requiring insulin treatment. In type 2 diabetes, the body makes insulin, but the insulin does not work. Type 2 diabetes is most common; however, it can be preventable by practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes Prevention and Management

Several lifestyle factors can help individuals prevent or manage diabetes:

• Stay active: Regular physical activity helps the body use insulin more easily. It is recommended for adults to exercise 30 minutes per day, five days a week. Walking is one of the easiest ways to start.
• Nutritious eating: Healthy eating plays an important role in lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes. A diet with whole grains, healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, and reduced sugar can help the body better regulate insulin.
• Manage stress: Adding stress-reducing activities into daily routines can help maintain normal blood sugar levels. Getting enough sleep is key to reducing stress. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program

This year, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 958, Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program. The Florida Department of Health, in collaboration with school districts throughout the state, has developed informational materials for the early detection of type 1 diabetes for parents and guardians of students. This program promotes early detection of type 1 diabetes in children by educating parents and guardians on risk factors, warning signs, screening, and recommendations.

Chronic Disease Prevention Initiation

As a part of the Healthier You initiative, the Department has launched a new effort focused on chronic disease prevention, providing eligible residents of Leon, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach counties with a fully funded WeightWatchers® membership for up to one full year. This program is sponsored and paid for by the Department. To learn more about eligibility and to sign up for the membership, visit FloridaHealth.gov/WW.

DOH-Hillsborough Diabetes Programs

DOH-Hillsborough is committed to improving chronic disease prevention and management for all Floridians in Hillsborough County. As part of this commitment, the department offers diabetes prevention and management programs to the community at no-cost.

The Get Into Fitness Today program is open to all residents 18 years and older in Hillsborough County who are looking for health and wellness information and a starting point to lose weight. This program provides participants with the skills and tools to increase physical activity, make healthy food choices, and reduce stress over the course of 12 sessions. On average, participants lose 2-3% of their body weight and 90% of participants increase physical activity.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is offered over the course of 12 months and covers strategies to implement healthy habits, increasing physical activity to the recommended 150 minutes per week, coping strategies, and reducing risks for chronic conditions. Participants in our Diabetes Prevention Program have an average weight loss of 4%-6%. To qualify for this program, you must be at risk of developing diabetes or be overweight.

The Diabetes Self-Management Education program teaches participants about ways to manage diabetes and reduce risks for complications from the condition over the course of six sessions. Topics include monitoring, managing glucose (both high and low), medications, healthy eating, carbohydrate counting, physical activity, and more. On average, participants in this program reduce their A1c by .5-.91. To qualify for this program, you must have been diagnosed with diabetes.

For more information on our programs or would like to sign up, please visit Hillsborough.FloridaHealth.gov or call 813-307-8009.

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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 X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.