Nationally, diabetes is contributing to 193,000 deaths annually. It is the seventh-leading cause of death in our country. New Mexico ranks seventh among states in diabetes death rate, with almost 60,000 adults diagnosed with the disease. Still, at least three-quarters of all these ethnic groups in New Mexico report having too few servings of fruits and vegetables each day. USDA studies give a glimmer of hope, showing a clear relationship between knowing about proper eating habits and practicing those habits.
Most people still think it is too complicated to eat right.
But nutrition education programs like those we have through Extension can break down the walls of ignorance and practice to make a huge difference in the lives of New Mexicans. In the 21st century, nutrition education may be the lifesaver that sanitation was in the 20th.