November - American Diabetes Month - addresses the seriousness of this disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, and a leading cause of non-traumatic limb amputation and blindness.
In northeast Ohio, 330,000 children and adults have diabetes. Recent estimates project that one in three U.S. adults will have diabetes in 2050; an additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for type 2 diabetes if we don’t do something about it. The American Diabetes Association estimates the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is $245 billion.
But there is good news: Diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating healthy, being physically active and quitting smoking also can help lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and its complications. The American Diabetes Association’s office in Independence has resources available for individuals, companies and schools.
Community members are invited to submit a personal image to the Association’s Facebook mosaic representing what A Day in the Life of Diabetes means to them and showcase the extraordinary effort it takes to live with diabetes 24/7, 365 days a year. Individuals can post images of themselves or someone they care about, or how the disease impacts their lives. Help us to continue shining a light on this disease.
Carol McNerney and Jill Pupa