Sharing LIGHT and HOPE for People with or at Risk for Diabetes
DIABETES IN APPALACHIA
KENTUCKY
DIABETES IS A COMMON DISEASE
Of the adults residing in the Appalachian counties in Kentucky, 9.4% have been diagnosed with diabetes. In comparison, 8.7% of the non-Appalachian Kentucky population has been diagnosed with diabetes. (2004)
DIABETES IS A CONTROLLABLE DISEASE
Much of the sickness and death associated with diabetes can be eliminated through aggressive treatment approaches to normalize blood glucose levels including routine physician visits, self-management training, routine dilated eye exams, foot exams, and A1C checks.
The table below shows the preventive care practices of individuals with diabetes in the Appalachian region and non-Appalachian region compared to Kentucky statewide.
Reported Preventive Care Practices Among
Adults with Diabetes, Kentucky
Preventive Care Practice
Statewide
Non-
Appalachia
Appalachia
2002
2003
2004
2005
2002
2003
2004
2005
2002
2003
2004
2005
Saw a health professional for diabetes at least 1 time in the past year
94%
91%
94%
90%
94%
95%
Ever taken a course or class in how to manage diabetes
44%
47%
48%
52%
38%
36%
Checked blood glucose at least 1 time per day
64%
66%
65%
66%
61%
67%
Received a dilated eye exam in the past year
70%
71%
76%
72%
59%
67%
Received a foot exam at least 1 time in the past year
63%
63%
64%
66%
61%
57%
Received a flu vaccination in last year*
55%
49%
59%
50%
48%
48%
Ever received a pneumonia vaccine
44%
45%
47%
45%
37%
44%
Had A1C checked at least 2 times in the past year
59%
62%
61%
62%
56%
61%
Map of Kentucky with Appalachia shaded
Data Sources: Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Hospitalization Claims Data, Health Policy Analysis Branch, KY Department for Public Health
Kentucky Diabetes Network, Inc.
P O Box 4245
Frankfort, Kentucky 40604-4245
DIABETES IN APPALACHIA