November 12, 2025
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov
Diabetes Often Goes Undetected: Are You at Risk?
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Has Tips for National Diabetes Awareness Month
WARRENTON, Va.– Did you know that one in four Virginians has diabetes and doesn’t know it? More than two million adults in Virginia have prediabetes putting them at risk for major health problems even early death. But it’s not too late. Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the disease and improve your overall health. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District can help you get on the right track.
Why should you care? Untreated diabetes can do real damage to your body, to include:
- Long term organ damage
- Heart disease and stroke
- Nerve damage
- Vision loss/blindness
- Dementia
- Mental health issues
Diabetes also cost a lot of money! People with diabetes pay twice as much for medical expenses than those who don’t have the disease. Direct medical expenses for those diagnosed with diabetes in Virginia totaled more than $412 billion in 2022.
Your risk for developing type 2 diabetes is higher if:
- You’re overweight.
- You have a family history of diabetes.
- You had diabetes while you were pregnant (gestational diabetes).
- You live in a rural area. In Virginia, rural areas report higher rates of diabetes. The VDH, and the Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education, are working to improve healthcare access and reduce disparities. The Virginia Rural Health Plan 2022–2026 was created for this purpose.
“Diabetes doesn’t just affect individuals, it affects families and communities” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “This month, we renew our commitment to prevention, early detection, and supporting every person in making healthier choices.”
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District offers these tips to get you on the right track:
- Take the Risk Test.
- Eat healthy.
- Stay active.
- Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional about your concerns.
- Find a Diabetes Prevention Program or Diabetes Self-Management class near you.
For more information on local programs and resources, contact The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District directly at (www.rrhd.org) or visit the VDH Diabetes Resource Page.
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