The Hidden Connection Between Daily Care and Diabetes Prevention

Every November, communities across the U.S. observe National Diabetes Awareness Month. For NWMH, this month is especially relevant because:

• Diabetes (and pre-diabetes) is common and can affect both our clients and our DSP workforce. Early awareness and intervention matter.

• Good mental-health support overlaps with physical-health support: managing a condition like diabetes involves routine, habits, self-care, stress-management—all things DSPs help promote.

• DSPs who are knowledgeable about diabetes can better support clients with self-management, coordinate with health-teams, and advocate for wellness.

Why DSPs Should Care

• Clients may have comorbid conditions (mental-health + diabetes) and need support navigating both.

• DSPs help with daily routines: meals, snacks, physical activity, monitoring — these routines can influence diabetes outcomes.

• Understanding risk factors, red-flags and prevention gives you tools to spot issues early and encourage healthy behaviors.

• Empowering yourself: DSPs can also apply these concepts personally—so you’re healthier, stronger, and better able to serve others.

Local Action Steps in Portland / Clackamas County

Here are practical ways you and your team—along with clients—can engage during November (and beyond) in the Portland / Clackamas County area:

1. Screen and refer

   • Use the self-risk tests (e.g., prediabetes risk) and encourage clients who may be at risk to talk with their provider. NIDDK+1

   • Refer to local programs via the Oregon Health Authority: The National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) reduces risk of type 2 diabetes by about 58% in Oregon. Oregon+1

2. Promote healthy routines

   • Plan one “educational moment” with your clients this November: maybe a discussion about doing one extra 10-minute walk each day or swapping out a sugary snack for a whole-food alternative.

   • Organize a group walking meetup (in a local park/green-space) in Clackamas County: e.g., Clackamas River Trail or similar — encourage staff + clients.

3. Connect with local resources

   • Use 2-1-1 info line via Oregon for help with medication assistance or local diabetes/self-management classes. Oregon

   • Partner with local clinics/health educators to invite a short talk for your team and clients about diabetes self-management or nutrition.

4. Embed into your NWMH culture

   • Have a “blue day” (blue = diabetes awareness) in your facility/office and wear blue ribbons or stickers to start conversation.

   • Create a quick reference “tip sheet” for DSPs about diabetes basics: risk factors, signs, when to refer, how to support clients with diabetes.

5. Monitor & measure

   • Set a challenge: e.g., this month your team tracks how many clients and staff took a risk-test, attended a walk, or made a diet swap. Share results in December.

   • Encourage clients to log one health improvement (more activity, better snack, less sugary drink) and revisit next month.

Call to Action

At NWMH we’re committed to holistic client wellness—mind + body. This November, let’s work together: DSPs, clients, and staff—let’s raise our diabetes-awareness, build healthier habits, and reinforce the supportive community we know we are.

Join us: take the risk test this week, schedule the walk next week, share the tip sheet, and let’s make a meaningful difference.