MDP Highlights and Updates
Montana Diabetes Professional Conference
 October 10th-11th, the Montana Diabetes Program in partnership with the MT Coordinating Body of ADCES hosted the 27th Annual Montana Diabetes Professional Conference at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
This event focused on topics such as diabetes research, latest clinical guidelines, newest technology, innovations in drug therapy, managing complex diabetes cases, the intersection of diabetes and CKD, cultural influences on nutrition, and more. The participants were offered a dynamic experience designed to enhance their insight and knowledge of diabetes while providing tools and ideas to bring back to their professional practices.
Planning for the 2025 Diabetes Professional Conference is already underway. Stay up to date on information regarding this conference and other educational opportunities from the MDP by visiting Diabetes Program (mt.gov).
Awards and Recognition
 The Montana Diabetes Program presented awards for professional excellence in the field of diabetes. The following professionals were recognized in several areas of achievement.
- Montana ADCES Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year- Catherine Baran, Logan Health
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Advancing the Vision Award- Brooke Foth, Logan Health Pediatric
- Advancing the Vision Award-Helen Williams, VA - Ft Harrison
- Organizational Leadership Award - FAST Blackfeet represented by Mackenzie Sachs and Keshawna Yazzie-Wolf Tail
- Lifestyle Coach of the Year- Ida Reighard, St James - Intermountain Health
- Rising Star Award- Cassandra Tucker, Community Hospital of Anaconda
- Distinguished Service Award- Deb Bjorsness, Benefis
The Montana Diabetes Program would like to extend continued congratulations to those who are acknowledged for their distinguished service in diabetes care.
Diabetes Care and Education
Diabetes Care in Schools
Diabetes is considered one of the most common chronic conditions in children and the number of children with diabetes in schools is on the rise.
Diabetes can have significant effects on a child's experience and achievement in school. With advancements in diabetes management and new popularity around technology how can school prepare to care for students with diabetes. There are several common considerations school administrators, educators, and volunteers can implement to help ease the challenges students with diabetes may face. For more information on the rise of diabetes in schools visit More Students Are Getting Diabetes. Here's What That Means for the Classroom.
Staying educated and prepared can help ensure students with diabetes have the best opportunities in school. The American Diabetes Association offers online training and support resources for schools at Training Resources for Schools | American Diabetes Association
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Diabetes in the News
November is National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month and this year's focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes related health problems. Diabetes can cause complications for kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart, wounds, and is linked to some cancer. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the complication of diabetes and improve health outcomes. During the month of November, we encourage everyone to know the risks of developing diabetes, manage blood glucose, monitor blood pressure, form healthy habits, and work with a healthcare team to prevent and manage diabetes. For more information on how to raise awareness for National Diabetes Month visit National Diabetes Month 2024 - NIDDK (nih.gov)
World Diabetes Day
Every year on November 14th the world recognizes World Diabetes Day. The world's largest diabetes awareness campaign. The day marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.
Join in this year's campaign which aims to put well-being at the heart of diabetes care. Promote the World Diabetes Day theme on social media by sharing how diabetes has affected your well-being using #DiabetesLife. Find out more by visiting World Diabetes Day | Get Involved.
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Diabetes Prevention
Small Lifestyle Changes can have a huge impact on preventing type 2 diabetes
Are you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Risk factors include:
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Age: Being 45 years or older
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Weight: A body mas index (BMI) of 25 or greater (23 or greater if Asian)
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Family history: Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
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Physical activity: Being physically active less than three times a week
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Blood pressure: Having high blood pressure, or a diagnosis of hypertension
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History of gestational diabetes: A diagnosis of gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Why is it so important to prevent type 2 diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and foot problems.
Small changes can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Some of these changes are:
- 150 minutes of physical activity per week
- Healthy eating
- 5 – 7% weight loss
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) can aid in making these lifestyle changes. In Montana, in-person and virtual options are available. To find more about the NDPP and find a program visit: https://diabetes-prevention-mtdphhs.hub.arcgis.com/.
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