Local Impact - New Mexico

Judy Reuter

Wellness Program Manager
Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico

"I am happy and full of life. If I don't take care of myself, I can't take care of my family."
- Community Member

We use SDPI funds to target the adult population (an estimated 486 individuals) for diabetes prevention and diabetes self-management intervention activities. In 2016, we were able to provide nearly 1000 fitness classes, 50 healthy eating or cooking classes, and had 152 diabetes self-management classes or visits. SDPI funds helped programming to reach 219 adults overall, and almost 50% of the diabetes population. Observed every November, American Diabetes Month is an effort to focus attention on the disease and the tens of millions of people in the world affected by it. Our 2016 theme showcased real-life stories of families and friends managing the day-to-day triumphs and challenges of the disease. As a way to raise awareness and encourage dialogue, the Wellness Program asked community members to share their thoughts on why preventing and/or managing diabetes is worth it. We received many responses; here are just a few:

Managing diabetes is worth it because...

• I am happy & full of life. If I don't take care of myself, I can't take care of my family.
• Taking medications daily stresses me.
• Be healthy for my family.
• I don't like sickness.
• It keeps me balanced-my glucose. Helps with portion control.
• I don't want a heart attack.
• Watch my grandkids grow up.
• I feel good; so far my sugar stays at 102-110. I eat fruit and veggies-drink water.
• My family matters.
• So I don't get sick.

Preventing diabetes is worth is because...

• I want to be healthy.
• Exercising is fun and it makes me feel good.
• I don't want to die yet.
• So I can live a long healthy life and see my kids grow up.
• I want to be healthy for my family, especially my children.
• Too many family and friends have been taken by diabetes.
• I've seen the damage it's done to family members & friends. Stay healthy, eat healthy, live long.
• I won't have to poke myself.
• I want to continue to be active.

We are grateful to all who shared thoughts and feelings.

Diabetes in New Mexico

According to 2008 CDC data, approximately 115,000 people in New Mexico – 7.5% of the population – had diagnosed diabetes, and many suffer from serious diabetes related complications or conditions. In addition to the human toll diabetes places on the people in New Mexico, the financial burden diabetes places on the health system in the state is staggering – in 2007, the direct and indirect cost of diabetes in New Mexico was approximately $1.25 billion.

Stories & Progams