Cities for Life Communities and Healthcare Providers Collaborating to Improve Diabetes Management and Reduce Risk of the Disease

26 million people in the US have type 2 diabetes, and an estimated 79 million have pre-diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Fact Sheet, Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Accessed June 17, p.1,l

We can reduce the risk of diabetes and help those living with diabetes manage the disease.

Change requires personal motivation AND support from family and friends AND a community environment that makes it easier to make the right choices.

Cities for Life is a community- wide effort to link people with diabetes to resources that can help them live healthier lives.

Tested and shown to be successful in Birmingham, Alabama, Cities for Life can be implemented in any community and be tailored to each community’s need.

Trained lay navigators work with primary care clinicians to link patients with diabetes or at risk for diabetes with community programs and resources to help them reduce their risk and improve their health.

Support from local government officials and attention from local media raise awareness and communicate the importance of reducing the risk of diabetes, managing the disease and improving quality of life for those who have diabetes.

The Cities for Life Toolkit provides the information and resources your community needs to get started today.