Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health invites the public to a two-day event highlighting the importance of prevention, early detection and management of diabetes, the eighth leading cause of death in the state. November is National Diabetes Month.
The MSDH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program urges you to learn more about prevention and treatment options during our annual Giving Diabetes the Blues event:
- Thursday, November 21, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall, featuring a performance by Grammy Award winner Bobby Rush. Under the backdrop of live blues music, MSDH will launch its new diabetes cookbook featuring recipes from Mississippians, showcase cooking demonstrations and offer health screenings. There will also be a resource fair where you can explore educational materials, connect with healthcare providers, and discover support services. Pre-register via this link: Giving Diabetes the Blues Kickoff Event Tickets
- Friday November 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Two Museums in Jackson. Highlights include sessions on the latest advancements in diabetes care, a spotlight on innovative technologies like continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, and expert-led discussions on lifestyle changes that support long-term health. You can also participate in interactive workshops, hear from keynote speakers and connect with exhibitors offering tools for diabetes management. Spots will fill up quickly, so pre-register early here: Giving Diabetes the Blues Conference Tickets
Mississippi ranked second in the nation for diabetes prevalence in 2023. An estimated 1 in 6 of our residents are living with the preventable disease, for which roughly 21,000 Mississippians are diagnosed every year.
Diabetes affects the way the body uses food by causing glucose levels in the blood to be too high. Over time, high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections and amputations.
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Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400
