Diabetes-Related Deaths High in San Joaquin County
Three counties experienced higher rates of diabetes-related deaths than San Joaquin County, with a diabetes-related mortality rate 75% higher than the state average, according to the 2006 County Health Status Profiles, the Stockton Record reports.
Joan Singson, who coordinates the diabetes prevention organization Steps to a Healthier San Joaquin Coalition, said more needs to be done at the policy level to reduce diabetes prevalence.
Saadia Khan, medical director of Community Medical Centers, said grants from the state and other health organizations help, but they are not awarded consistently enough to provide a base for local health care improvement (Cardine, Stockton Record, 6/27).
The 2006 County Health Status Profiles are available online. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report.