Diabetes is a devastating disease; it is insidious in its ability to upend the lives of all it affects. For those who have diabetes or are at risk of developing it it’s important to understand what devastating complications are associated with it. Diabetes brings a host of related complications, including neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, vision problems (can lead to blindness) and kidney disease. Understanding how to prevent and treat them is a vital part of managing diabetes. Having proper medical care is very important.
For those whose lives are not affected by diabetes, it may be difficult to understand the effects of diabetes and how it completely changes lives. For instance, diabetes cause poor blood circulation causing even minor wounds to heal more slowly. Therefore, people with diabetes have to visit a podiatrist to have their toenails cut. They cannot do it themselves, if they try to and knick themselves; there is a real possibility of infection which can lead to gangrene and amputation.
In the United States alone, Diabetes affects more the twenty six million people.
According to the CDC, Diabetes kills more people every year then breast cancer and aids combined.
According to the American Diabetes Association, type 1, diagnosed in children and young adults, is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce insulin; the hormone people need to convert sugar and other foods into energy. Five to 10 percent of those impacted by the disease have type 1 diabetes.
The more common form is type 2 diabetes. Older adults, as well as African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander populations have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Many pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, according to the ADA. If untreated or poorly managed, it can lead to health problems for the baby later on, such as obesity and a risk for type 2 diabetes. The baby may grow to be too big, risking injury to the child during birth.
People who are overweight or obese are more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes and with three quarters of residents of the United States falling into this category; the risk of developing Diabetes is great; something needs to be done now to stop this terrible disease.
November is Diabetes awareness month and many organizations are holding events that will bring attention to this devastating disease. The American Diabetes Association is holding events in every state. They also ask everyone to take the pledge to end Diabetes by joining the cause on Facebook under the American Diabetes Association.
To find out what event is being held in your state visit http://www.diabetes.org/inmycommunity/programs/american-diabetes-month/
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has built a nationwide network of Advocates who are dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. To find out how to participate in JDRF’s Walk to Cure this month, or more information to become involved go to: www.jdrf.org
The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is offering educational material to the public on managing, risks, diet and nutrition for Diabetics, as well as the latest news and research to help combat this devastating disease. http://ndep.nih.gov/partners-community-organization/national-diabetes-month/index.aspx
Diabetes wreaks havoc on its victims; the emotional, physical and financial devastation that it causes is horrendous. Researchers are so close to finding a cure however they need the support of the community to bring it to fruition. Join the fight to end diabetes, show your support in your community to help end this horrible disease. Granola Gourmet supports the fight to end diabetes!
