As November is recognized as National Diabetes Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will be hosting a two-day event to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and management of the disease.
On Thursday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 22, the “Giving Diabetes the Blues” event will take place at two different locations in Jackson. The event is intended to raise awareness about diabetes, which according to the MSDH, is the eighth-leading cause of death in the state. Considered a preventable disease, an estimated 1 in 6 Mississippi residents are currently living with diabetes and roughly 21,000 Mississippians are diagnosed each year.
“Far too many Mississippians are still dying of diabetes, which is particularly devastating because it is preventable and manageable,” State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said, adding that more than 1,250 residents died from diabetes in 2022. “We urge you to get tested, and if you have the disease, take the necessary steps to live a longer, healthier life. Diabetes does not have to be a death sentence.”
The Giving the Diabetes the Blues event, put on by the MSDH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, will include:
- A reception on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall. Under the backdrop of live blues music, MSDH will launch its new diabetes cookbook featuring recipes from Mississippians, showcase cooking demonstrations, and offer health screenings. There will be a resource fair where residents can explore educational materials, connect with healthcare providers, and discover support services. Pre-registration can be found here.
- A conference on Friday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Two Mississippi Museums. Highlights will include sessions on the latest advancements in diabetes care, a spotlight on innovative technologies like continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, and expert-led discussions on lifestyle changes that support long-term health. Residents will be able to participate in interactive workshops, hear from keynote speakers, and connect with exhibitors offering tools for diabetes management. Pre-registration can be found here.
With two different kinds – Type 1 and Type 2 – diabetes affects the way the body uses food by causing glucose levels in the blood to be too high. Over time, high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputations. Type 1 is typically caused by an autoimmune reaction and is unpreventable, while Type 2 is linked to lifestyle choices and is most common in adults over the age of 45.
The MSDH will also join healthcare providers worldwide declaring Nov. 14 as World Diabetes Day. Internationally, nearly 50 percent of all diabetes is undiagnosed as an estimated 537 million people currently live with the disease.
