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About 12-18 percent of adults in the CNMI had diabetes in 2016
An estimated 12 percent to 18 percent of adults in the CNMI have diabetes, while about two-thirds of them are either overweight or obese, according to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s 2016 Non-Communicable Disease and Risk Factor Report.
“Additionally, cardiovascular disease and cancer are two of the leading causes of death in the CNMI,” CHCC noted in a statement. Being either overweight or obese increases the chances of developing either hypertension or diabetes.
To aid the fight against these chronic diseases, the Non-Communicable Disease Bureau has five programs; the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, the Breast and Cervical Screening Program, the CNMI Cancer Registry Program, and the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.
The bureau noted that tobacco is one of the main contributors for all cancers, especially head and neck cancer.
The program that tackles tobacco prevention and control offers nicotine cessation services for adults ages 18 and over that want to quit.
“If an individual is ready to quit using nicotine products, they can call the quit-line at 323-QUIT or 323-7848. Depending on availability, the program may also provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy (nicotine patch/gum) to an individual who is ready to quit,” CHCC noted.
