New York State Department of Health Launches New Campaign to Encourage Black and Hispanic Men to Take Prediabetes Risk Test
English and Spanish Language Advertisements Educate About Risks and Steps to Prevent Disease Onset
Watch the English Advertisements Here and the Spanish Advertisements Here
ALBANY, N.Y. (February 3, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health has launched a new public awareness campaign to encourage Black and Hispanic men to take a prediabetes risk test and participate in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). Prediabetes is a condition where a person's blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes can, however, develop into type 2 diabetes if lifestyle changes are not made."The prediabetes risk test is an easy-to-use tool to assess the potential of developing type 2 diabetes. I used the tool today and assessed my risk. Folks who are overweight, inactive or have a family history of diabetes, really should take this 3 minute test," Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Knowing your risk is a great first step toward making small lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and avoid the serious health complications the disease can cause."
According to the Department's 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, an estimated 1.5 million adult New Yorkers have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Without intervention, many people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years and are also at increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Due to the impact of structural racism and poverty on health and healthcare, prediabetes is more common among Black and Hispanic adults, and lower-income adults in New York.
The National DPP focuses on making lifestyle changes including eating healthier and being physically active to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The videos, which promote the prediabetes risk test and the prevention program, are being aired on broadcast and cable television, on radio, and are streaming on social media. The advertisements are available in both English and Spanish:
Below are two of the video scripts:
- I was surprised to hear that black men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
And that you can have serious health problems like blindness or having a heart attack.
I checked to see if I was at risk by taking a test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org.
If you're at risk, there's something you can do about it. - My dad and grandma had diabetes.
Grandma's diabetes was so bad her foot had to be amputated.
I knew I'd probably get it, too, but I didn't know there was something I could do about it.
My health care provider told me about the diabetes prevention program.
There I learned to make healthier choices and set daily goals to help change my destiny.
Support is also offered by members of my community dealing with the same health issues.
It's also covered by Medicaid and Medicare.
Start today for a better tomorrow.
Join a diabetes prevention program.
The National DPP is a partnership of public and private organizations working to encourage evidence-based lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The program is offered either in person, online, or in combination, as well as in multiple languages. Participation is a covered benefit for all New York State Medicaid enrollees, as well as for those with Medicare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an online search tool to help find a program by type, location, language options, and payment options here.
Additional information and resources about diabetes are available online:
