Meet Hopper, a cheerful blue frog with a vital message for Greene County: when it comes to your health, small leaps forward can lead to life-changing results.
This November, for Diabetes Awareness Month, Greene County Medical Center is inviting communities to take a page out of Hopper’s playbook and “hop to it.” Behind the playful mascot is a serious, empowering mission. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 115.2 million U.S. adults are living with prediabetes, many without even knowing it.
The good news is that prediabetes doesn’t have to be a permanent destination. Making simple adjustments like moving a little more each day, prioritizing a good night’s sleep, cutting back on added sugars and keeping your regular checkups can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half and reduce the risk of complications from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
“Diabetes and prediabetes can quietly go undetected for years,” said Laura Walker, RN and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) at Greene County Medical Center. “Knowing your numbers is the most powerful tool you have. Small, intentional lifestyle changes today can prevent or drastically delay type 2 diabetes tomorrow.”
For those already navigating life with diabetes, local support is closer and more personalized than ever. Walker and Registered Dietitian Erica Vandenberg (RDN, LD) work side-by-side with patients, offering tailored guidance on everything from daily nutrition and lifestyle changes to mastering modern tools like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
“You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself,” Walker emphasized. “Whether you are newly diagnosed or looking to fine-tune your long-term management, our Team is here to walk right beside you on your healthcare journey.”
Curious about where you stand? Find details and free assessments by following the QR code below.
Join the medical center in spreading awareness this month by wearing blue, especially on World Diabetes Day, Saturday, November 14.
To learn more about personalized diabetes care, call 515-386-2488 or visit gcmchealth.com and select Diabetes Management under Get Care.
