Grand Canyon Times

Diabetes remains a significant health challenge in Arizona, affecting many residents and imposing a heavy economic burden on the state's healthcare system. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has released the 2025 Diabetes Action Plan and Report, developed by the ADHS Diabetes Program alongside the Diabetes Action Plan and Report Team and the DAP Data Workgroup of the Arizona Diabetes Coalition. This report aims to address diabetes through prevention strategies and improved access to care.

The report underscores that diabetes is currently the eighth-leading cause of premature death in Arizona, impacting over 615,000 adults. Additionally, nearly 2 million people have prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes often undiagnosed. Complications from unmanaged diabetes can lead to severe health issues such as stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, lower leg amputation, nerve damage, and even death.

Economically, diabetes costs Arizona $6.7 billion annually. This figure includes $5.1 billion in direct medical expenses and $1.6 billion related to indirect costs like absenteeism and reduced productivity.

The report categorizes diabetes into three main types: Type 1 diabetes typically diagnosed in young individuals requiring lifelong insulin therapy; Type 2 diabetes accounting for up to 95% of cases linked with factors such as being overweight or inactive; Gestational diabetes occurring during pregnancy increasing future risks for both mother and child.

To mitigate these impacts, several proactive measures are recommended including regular physical activity like walking or swimming; consistent medical check-ups to monitor blood sugar levels; maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

This comprehensive plan not only highlights existing challenges but also provides actionable recommendations aimed at reducing the prevalence of this chronic condition across Arizona's communities.