NMSU Extension diabetes awareness program awarded grant to expand

One of the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service diabetes awareness programs, On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes, has received a new grant from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation to continue its work to lower diabetes rates.

Source: NMSU News Release
DATE: Aug. 6, 2024
WRITER: Tiffany Acosta, 575-646-3929, tfrank@nmsu.edu

The program trains new community health workers and teaches participants how to manage glucose levels better and reduce the complications that may result from uncontrolled diabetes. On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes was awarded $39,502.10 to enroll 150 participants into the program, expand its work in Luna and Otero counties, and continue its work in Doña Ana County.

“We have found that community health workers play a vital role in this program, even when they are not facilitating a class, they will still share the information in an informal matter to loved ones and other community members,” said Lourdes Olivas, On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes program manager and Extension associate.

The newly trained community health workers will help with program recruitment and facilitation.

“Most importantly, they will also learn more in-depth knowledge on the tests that are indicators of the risk for complications of uncontrolled diabetes, such as elevated A1C, high blood pressure or high cholesterol,” Olivas said.

“With the high rate of diabetes in Luna County, the On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes program could greatly benefit our community by creating more opportunities to educate those who have been diagnosed,” said Katherine Turner, Luna County Extension Family and Consumer Science agent. “Efforts towards the prevention of diabetes could also be improved along with aiding and educating those with pre-diabetes to slow the progression of their condition.”

Program participants learn about the five most important tests for diabetes; learn how to discuss test results with health care providers; learn how to prepare healthy meals; and learn why it’s important to be physically active. One of the program’s objectives is to prevent complications such as kidney failure, amputations or vision loss for those living with Type 2 diabetes.

“Diabetes education has been offered by Extension in the communities of Otero County for many years,” said Kelly Knight, Otero County Extension program director. “Individuals often indicate that they do not receive enough information about diabetes when diagnosed. I feel that programs like On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes empowers individuals living with diabetes to understand and manage their condition. Bringing this program to Otero County has the potential to enhance health and well-being.”

To learn more about the On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes program, visit https://diabetes.nmsu.edu/english/livingwell.html.

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