Diabetes and Heart Health

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What is diabetes and how does it impact our community?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. Diabetes develops when there isn’t enough insulin (Type 1), or the body doesn’t use insulin properly (Type 2). When this happens, too much blood sugar stays in the bloodstream leading to health issues.

Diabetes increases the risk for:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Nerve damage
  • Foot problems which can lead to amputation
  • Vision loss

Diabetes numbers

  • In Rock County, about 10% of the population has diabetes.
  • Diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death in Wisconsin.
  • According to the CDC, diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in our nation, costing the U.S. over $325 billion annually.

What is Rock County doing about it?

We have partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to promote awareness about the prevention and management of diabetes.

What can I do?

Know your risk

One in 3 adults have prediabetes and don’t know it!

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar (or glucose) levels are elevated, but not enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes.

Find out if you are at risk by taking the 60-Second Diabetes Risk Test.

Attend Diabetes education classes

There are classes available to help you prevent or manage diabetes. Contact your medical provider and insurance provider to find out more about your eligibility, program cost, and need for referral.

  • Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for those with prediabetes or risk factors.
  • Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program or Healthy Living With Diabetes classes for those diagnosed with diabetes.
  • Please visit this link to find classes.

                             Diabetes Picture

Learn More

For more information on diabetes, you can visit the following websites: