Arizona Diabetes Action Plan 2025: Strategies to Combat Diabetes

Arizona’s New Initiative to Combat the Diabetes Epidemic

Diabetes presents a significant challenge for the healthcare system in Arizona and across the United States. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has launched a new initiative aimed at alleviating this burden. The 2025 Diabetes Action Plan and Report offers practical steps to reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals and communities in Arizona.

The report, a collaborative effort by the ADHS Diabetes Program, the Diabetes Action Plan and Report (DAP) Team, and the DAP Data Workgroup of the Arizona Diabetes Coalition, draws on a year’s worth of data analysis and community input. The plan’s focus is on prevention and accessibility to care, leveraging evidence-based strategies and local insights. With over 615,000 Arizonans affected and an annual cost of $6.7 billion, the report is timely and crucial.

The Arizona Diabetes Burden

Diabetes ranks as the eighth-leading cause of premature death in Arizona, with over 615,000 adults living with the disease. Additionally, nearly 2 million residents have prediabetes, a condition that often progresses to type 2 diabetes if not addressed. Alarmingly, about 90% of those with prediabetes are unaware of their condition.

Poorly managed diabetes can lead to severe health complications, including stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, lower limb amputations, nerve damage, and even death. Individuals with diabetes face a 50% higher risk of premature death compared to those without the disease.

The economic implications are equally staggering, with $6.7 billion spent annually, combining $5.1 billion in direct medical expenses and $1.6 billion in indirect costs, such as loss of productivity and early disability.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes manifests in three primary forms:

Type 1 Diabetes: Often found in children and young adults, this type results from the body’s inability to produce insulin and necessitates lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes: Representing up to 95% of all cases, this type occurs when the body produces insulin but cannot utilize it effectively. Risk factors include obesity, family history, inactivity, and age over 45. Higher risk is noted among African American, Native American, and Hispanic populations.

Gestational Diabetes: Occurs in about 11.5% of pregnancies in Arizona, increasing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes for both the mother and child.

Preventive Measures

Managing and reducing the risk of diabetes involves several proactive steps:

Enjoy Physical Activity: Engage in activities like walking, swimming, or playing with pets to maintain an active lifestyle.

Regular Health Checkups: Routine medical exams can detect potential health issues early. Requesting an A1C test and monitoring blood pressure are recommended.

Healthy Diet: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while respecting personal and cultural food preferences.

For those invested in tackling this public health challenge, the 2025 Arizona Diabetes Action Plan and Report offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and mitigating the impact of diabetes.