(SALT LAKE CITY) – Diabetes affects more than 130,000 Utah adults and is the sixth leading cause of death in the state. In 2009, prominent Utah businessman Larry H. Miller died from diabetes-related causes – a death that could likely have been prevented, according to his wife Gail Miller, who is featured in a new campaign for the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
“Diabetes is just an ugly disease. For people who have not seen this disease, they do not want to see it,” says Miller in a new TV ad. “Life goes on, but when you’re not there to share it with the one you love, it is really sad, especially when it didn’t have to be that way.”
The campaign includes 30- and 60-second TV ads and is an effort to educate all Utahns – with or without diabetes – about the importance of talking with their doctor in order to better manage the disease.
“If not well controlled, diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications, including blindness, amputations, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure,” said Vivian Giles, MPH, Health Systems Specialist, UDOH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. “We hope this campaign and Larry Miller’s story will encourage those at risk to talk with their physician and take control of their disease. People with diabetes can live a long and healthy life with proper care,” added Giles.
The television spots will also be shown before all films shown at Larry H. Miller Megaplex theaters in Utah. In addition, they will be featured at various facilities owned and operated by the Miller family, including at Utah Jazz and Salt Lake Bees games.
For more information, visit www.health.utah.gov/diabetes or call the UDOH Health Resource Line at 1-888-222-2542.
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The mission of the Utah Department of Health is to protect the public's health through preventing avoidable illness, injury, disability and premature death, assuring access to affordable, quality health care, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
