Local Impact - Mississippi

Pastor Thomas Ben, Mississippi Choctaw

Choctaw Diabetes Prevention Program

"The Diabetes Prevention Fitness Program has helped me to prevent diabetes and now, health and fitness are top priorities in my life."
- Pastor Thomas Ben

Over the years, the Choctaw Diabetes Prevention Program has been very active in our community, promoting diabetes awareness by way of handouts, presentations and special events. I learned that diabetes was preventable, which got me to begin thinking about my own family history of diabetes. So, when I found out about the fitness program offered by the Diabetes Prevention Program, I decided to join and do what I could to get healthier and at the same time, reduce my risk of getting diabetes.

Before I joined the program exercise was not a priority in my life. However, the variety, intensity and structure of the fitness program has kept me actively involved and focused on my health for the past two years and I still participate 3 to 4 times a week. Since starting the program I’ve seen great results including a 25-pound weight loss and now, exercise and health are top priorities in my life.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is very beneficial because it offers our community the chance to not have to wait for a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes and provides the resources, education and support to take control of our health now. The dedication and ongoing efforts of the program staff make it a successful community program.

Diabetes in Mississippi

According to 2008 CDC data, approximately 245,000 people in Mississippi – 10.9% of the states population – had diagnosed diabetes, and many of them suffer from serious diabetes related complications or conditions. In addition to the human toll diabetes places on people in Mississippi, the financial burden diabetes places on the health system in the state is staggering – in 2007, the direct and indirect cost of diabetes in Mississippi was approximately $1.77 billion.

Stories & Progams