The South Dakota Diabetes Coalition is a non-profit organization comprised of over 60 diverse partners - healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, government agencies, tribal health representatives, persons with diabetes, quality improvement and wellness programs and many others. The Diabetes Coalition is a volunteer-based organization comprised of professionals and citizens who are passionate about preventing diabetes and empowering those with diabetes to successfully manage their health.
The roots of the Diabetes Coalition are from the Diabetes Advisory Council founded in the mid-1980s by the South Dakota Department of Health and its health care partners. The Coalition has transitioned to a 501c(3) charitable, educational organization comprised of four work groups: Advocacy, Patient Education, Professional Education, and Public Awareness. Operating guidances provide structure for the Coalition and its governing board, the Coordinating Panel. A quarterly newsletter, SDDC Connections, provides updates to the members and two Partners' Conferences are held each year.
Diabetes is a serious public health problem in our state and the number of South Dakotans who have the disease or are at-risk for it grows each year. However, research has clearly shown that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. In fact, lifestyle modifications such as proper nutrition and moderate exercise that leads to a 5-7% weight loss can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 60%. We also know that education and proper care can help people with diabetes live long and healthy lives. Diabetes self-management education can teach people with diabetes to be proactive about their health, resulting in better health status and increased quality of life. Awareness of resources and access to care allows people with diabetes to obtain necessary services and prevent the complications that diabetes can bring.
Want to learn more about who make up the Coalition board? The following pages contain the information you are looking for.