Did you know one in 11 Americans today has diabetes?

Despite its prevalence, diabetes is an invisible disease. Often, there are no outward signs from the 29 million Americans who fight this chronic illness every day, and many do not even know they have this disease.

That’s why there is a critical need to bring awareness and education while breaking down stereotypes, myths and misunderstandings about this growing public health crisis that affects so many Americans.

A few alarming statistics:

— Every 23 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes.

— 86 million Americans are at risk for diabetes.

— Diabetes causes more deaths than AIDS and breast cancer combined.

With this being said, it is important to recognize that many times, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP) is a key component of the Nationals Diabetes Prevention Program.

The purpose of the DPRP is to recognize programs that have shown they can effectively deliver a proven lifestyle change program (in person, virtual or via distance learning) to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

This proven program can help people with prediabetes and/or at risk for Type 2 diabetes make achievable and realistic lifestyle changes and cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

To be eligible for referral to a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program, patients must meet the following requirements:

— Be at least 18 years old,

— Be overweight (BMI of 24 or greater)

— Have established risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes,

— Be diagnosed with prediabetes within the past year or previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) while pregnant.

The program is offered at The Clark County Health Department

An informational session will be at 4:45 p.m. Jan. 3. Pre-registration is required.

Call the Clark County Health Department at 859-744-4482 to find out about the cost of the program or email Amy Williams, MS, RD, LD at amyw.williams@ky.gov for more information.

This year-long lifestyle change program consists of 16 sessions during the first six months, which may be presented in person or via distance learning.  Sessions are led by a trained “lifestyle coach.”

The program follows a CDC-approved curriculum that is based on evidence from efficacy and effectiveness trials.

Additionally, participants will complete at least six sessions during the last six months to reinforce and build on content.

For evaluation of performance, programs recognized by the DPRP submit evaluation data to the DPRP every 12 months with data on participants’ progress in their classes.

Clark County Health Department provides programs for the entire family, including Smoking Cessation, WIC, HANDS, family planning, well child care/immunizations and home health care. For more information, call 859-744-4482 or visit www.clarkhealthdept.org.