Diabetes diagnoses are on the rise. As the threat gets national attention, Ada Jenkins Center and Solomon House are promoting prevention

A study recently published by the US Centers for Disease Control says that by 2050, nearly one-fourth to one-third of Americans could be living with diabetes. Most of the increase will come in Type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable. The projected increase is due to an aging population and the increase in minority groups that are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Two organizations in the Lake Norman area are doing their part to promote prevention for these minority groups. Through a grant funded by the North Carolina Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson and The Solomon House in Huntersville have joined forces to provide free educational workshops and screenings for those at risk of developing diabetes or seeking more information.

“Within the Free Clinic of Our Towns Health Clinic here at the Ada Jenkins center, we were diagnosing more and more individuals, many Latino and African American, with diabetes,” said Georgia Krueger, Executive Director at Ada Jenkins Center. “Helping these individuals manage the disease takes a lot of time and resources. When The Solomon House approached us about starting a prevention program, we thought it would be a great opportunity to work together towards prevention in the community,”

Each month, staff and volunteer nurses provide a session in one Lake Norman area town. There, participants learn more about the disease, why they may be at risk and options for prevention. They are offered a screening and referral for care if needed.

“Thus far we have had about 30 participants, largely those in at-risk populations, attend a workshop each month and learn about the disease. Because our mission is around health education for individuals, it is our hope that those who are screened through these events will seek medical care early, hopefully preventing this disease from progressing and becoming a chronic disease,” said Joyce Brooks, director of The Solomon House.

Typical risk factors for diabetes include older age, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. A family history of diabetes, developing diabetes while pregnant, and race/ethnicity are also risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Racial/ethnic groups at increased risk are African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and some Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders.

If you think you are at risk and would like more information, contact The Solomon House at 704-875-7727 and ask about attending a workshop.

If you are interested in donating your resources or time to Ada Jenkins Center or The Solomon House, please visit the agency websites, www.adajenkins.org or www.presbyterian.org/solomonhouse or contact The Ada Jenkins Center at 704-896-0471 or The Solomon House at 704-875-7727.

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