November 26, 2025
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
Diabetes Often Goes Undetected: Are You at Risk?
Crater Health District Has Tips for National Diabetes Awareness Month
PETERSBURG, 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 Crater Health District (CHD) 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 affects thousands of individuals in CHD, but with regular screening, healthy eating, and physical activity, we can significantly reduce its impact,” said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv. “This month, we are reminding residents that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Early intervention and prevention can save lives and build healthier communities.”
Crater 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 Crater Health District directly at 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District. For more information on Diabetes visit the VDH Diabetes Resource Page.