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March 24, 2020 is National Diabetes Alert Day. The Balm In Gilead asks you to join us as we work to send a “wake-up call” about the impacts of Diabetes on families and communities across the country. This year, it is even more imperative that we work to reduce risks associated with this disease as persons having Diabetes are more susceptible to the novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes while another 84 million have prediabetes. This is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. For African Americans and other minority communities, the need to take action is even more important as these groups disproportionately being impacted.

We encourage you to find visit us on the web at https://www.balmingilead.org/sdfi/ to learn more about what The Balm is doing to combat Diabetes through culturally tailored faith-based diabetes prevention programs offered through its Southeast Diabetes Faith Initiative (SDFI) – a 6 state initiative reaching underserved communities across the southeast US by expanding access to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). This lifestyle change program is an evidenced-based program that has been proven to cut the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by up to 58% (71% for person ages 60 and over). Enrollment is open today for Summer/Fall classes. Sign-up for our mailing list to learn more about joining a SDFI-NDPP near you!

It is also important that we understand the risk of Diabetes. If you – or someone you love – is living with other chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or obesity you may be at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Take this easy and quick online Diabetes Risk Test.