Beating Diabetes

Air Date: 04/15/2020

Called a “hidden national crisis,” diabetes is also a health crisis in Nebraska, impacting about 47 percent of our population. Here are a few numbers:

  • 175,000 - Nebraskans with diabetes
  • 487,000 - Nebraskans with pre-diabetes
  • $1.2 billion - The cost of medical expenses for Nebraskans with diabetes or pre-diabetes

Source: American Diabetes Association

Empty insulin bottles over a US flag styled US country shape with "Blood Sugar Rising America's Hidden Diabetes Epidemic" in text
Beating Diabetes is produced to complement Blood Sugar Rising, a new PBS special about the diabetes epidemic in the United States.
Host Mike Tobias sitting at show table with guests Emily Knezevich and Virginia Chaidez
(L-R) Host Mike Tobias with guests Emily Knezevich and Virginia Chaidez.

Beating Diabetes examines the scope and impact of diabetes in Nebraska; looks at different approaches to fighting it, including among at-risk population groups; and provides information related to modifiable risk factors like obesity and lack of physical activity.

Journalist Mike Tobias hosts the show, which includes a discussion with:

The program also features stories on:

Beating Diabetes is produced to complement Blood Sugar Rising, a PBS special about the diabetes epidemic in the United States.

Featured Clips

Marathon Kids, a UNL extension program in Fremont, is getting middle school and high school-age kids moving. We show the program as part of a discussion of the importance of exercise in reducing Type 2 diabetes.


We talk with Ponca Tribe dietitian Sara Pfeifer and examine the tribe’s efforts to reduce Type 2 diabetes, visiting a healthy eating presentation and cooking demonstration event in Niobrara.