The percentage of Lucas County adults diagnosed with diabetes is declining, but the chronic disease is more common among African American residents and other groups, according to Healthy Lucas County’s 2016/2017 Lucas County Community Health Assessment.
While 12% of Lucas County adults overall have diabetes, down from 15%, the rate is much higher among African American residents at 22% and Latino residents at 16%, according to the assessment. Additionally, 21% of Lucas County adults earning less than $25,000 a year have diabetes, according to the assessment.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the impact of diabetes on a person’s life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eating a healthy diet, being physically active, taking medicines if prescribed, and keeping health care appointments can make a difference, according to the CDC.
Diabetes is among chronic conditions Healthy Lucas County is addressing as part of the 2018-2021 Lucas County Community Health Improvement Plan. Other priority areas in the plan include maternal & child health/infant mortality, mental health, and addiction/drug & opiate use.
This infographic provides more information about diabetes in Lucas County. For more tips about living a healthy lifestyle and managing diabetes, follow Healthy Lucas County’s boards on Pinterest.
