Approximately one in 11 Iowans has some form of diabetes and about one in three Iowa adults has prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are high, but not high enough yet to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and people with this condition are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and serious diabetes-related complications. It’s important to know if you have prediabetes or diabetes.

The Iowa Department of Public Health urges Iowans to get their annual flu vaccination now if they have not already done so. Since it takes up to two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop full protection against the flu virus, being vaccinated now means you’ll be protected before the flu starts spreading and for the rest of the flu season.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced the first West Nile virus death in Iowa since 2010, an elderly (81 years of age and older) individual from Northwest Iowa. Testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) has confirmed 33 cases of West Nile virus in Iowa, with several more under investigation. This is more than double the number of cases reported last year at this time.

There are many traditions associated with autumn, including visits to pumpkin patches, apple orchards and fall farmers markets. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans to check the labels of apple cider containers to ensure the product is pasteurized. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced a new joint initiative with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) that should reduce the impact of reported foodborne illness in Iowa.