MDP Highlights
People Living with Diabetes May Qualify for the National Parks Access Pass
Spring it a perfect time to open the door to new adventures! People living with diabetes may qualify for a free lifetime National Parks Access Pass that provides entry to more than 2,000 national parks and federal recreation sites.
As the weather gets warmer, this is a great opportunity to start planning new outdoor experiences. Map out hikes, scenic drives, or a peaceful nature escape. With preparation and planning, exploring the outdoors can be empowering, refreshing, and a great way to make a move against diabetes.
Find more information at How To Get a Free Lifetime National Parks Pass | DiaTribe or by visiting Access Pass - Accessibility (U.S. National Park Service).
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Diabetes Care and Education
Spring Clean: Safe Medication Disposal Tips
Spring is a perfect time to refresh your home and that includes your medication cabinet. For people living with diabetes, keeping medications and supplies organized, up to date, and safely stored is an important part of staying healthy. Over time, it’s easy for old prescriptions, discontinued or expired medications, or outdated supplies to pile up. A quick spring clean can help reduce clutter, prevent dosing mistakes, and ensure you always know what you have on hand.
Start by gathering all your medications and diabetes supplies in one place. Check expiration dates on all prescription medications, test strips, glucagon kits, and any device supplies. Set aside anything that’s expired, no longer needed, or was discontinued by your provider. Never throw sharps or needles into the trash, instead use a designated sharps container. For other medications, use a community drop box, or a DEA authorized disposal event.
Find a community drop box in your area by visiting Prescription Drug Dropbox Locations or plan for the next community DEA take back day Take Back Day.
Always follow the FDA guidelines for safe disposal of medications found here Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know | FDA.
Once cleared out, restock thoughtfully. Keep medications in their original containers, store insulin and glucagon as recommended, and maintain a simple system so you can quickly see what’s current. A small bit of organizing, in spring or anytime, can help you stay prepared, reduce safety risks, and make diabetes management feel a little easier.
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Diabetes in the News
The Importance of Preventive Care in Women with Diabetes
Preventive care is important for adult women living with diabetes because it supports overall health, helps catch potential complications early, and keeps long term complications in check. Research shows that women with diabetes often receive fewer routine services such as cancer screenings or reproductive health counseling. This highlights the importance of staying proactive.
Spring is a great time to schedule routine or follow up appointments. Longer and warmer days bring a fresh perspective making it an ideal time to prioritize well-being and ensure you have the support you need for all seasons ahead.
To find out more on women living with diabetes and routine care visit Preventive Health Services in Reproductive-Aged Women with Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review | Journal of General Internal Medicine | Springer Nature Link.
Tirzepatide Shows Glycemic Control in Early Type 2 Diabetes
A recent systematic review and analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that once weekly tirzepatide led to significant reductions in A1c and more weight loss compared to insulin and other GLP-1s in early type 2 diabetes. Although gastrointestinal side effects where common, Tirzepatide also showed a lower risk of serious adverse events and hypoglycemia. Find more information by visiting Tirzepatide Shows Superior Glycemic Control in Early Type 2 Diabetes, suggests research.
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Diabetes Prevention
Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes by Spring Cleaning Your Health
Clear & Refill Your Pantry Make small swaps in your diet by adding healthier choices like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. By doing so you may be able to shed even a modest amount of weight to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
Move More Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. Some ways to get physical activity may be going for a walk after meals, doing some household chores, gardening, and playing outdoor games. Regular movement not only improves blood sugar but boosts mood and sleep.
Prioritize Sleep & Stress Management A restful routine, cool dark bedroom, and winding-down practices aid blood sugar regulation. Mindful breathing, connecting with others, and moving outdoors help reduce stress levels
Join the CDC’s National DPP Participate in the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program which is a year-long lifestyle change program led by trained lifestyle coaches. It helps lower diabetes risk by about 58% through healthy eating, increased physical activity, stress management, and peer support. Find out more about joining the NDPP in Montana and refresh your health.
Health Impact Spotlight
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
The arrival of spring brings renewed energy! We are often busy tidying our homes – clearing out clutter, opening windows and refreshing our living spaces. It’s also a perfect time to take stock of our health, consider risk factors influencing diabetes outcomes and remember that health is shaped not only by personal choices but also by the environments where we live, work, and grow. The nice weather encourages movement, outdoor activity, and the arrival of fresh, seasonal produce. Yet not everyone has equal access to these springtime advantages.
However, we have opportunities to address both individual and community level supports, such as more walkable neighborhoods, more affordable nutritious food, or more diabetes education that meets people where they are. We can work together to create conditions where healthier choices become more accessible for all and better health can be recognized by people living with diabetes. To learn more about SDOH visit Social Determinants of Health or reach out to Margaret Mullins.
For more information, contact: ChronicDiseasePrevention@mt.gov
1400 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59620-2951
1-844-MTHLT4U (1-844-864-5848)
https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/diabetes
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