On November 2, 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a Congressional Proclamation designating the month of November as American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses facing Americans. This disease happens when the body fails to produce or properly use insulin that converts sugar to the energy needed for every day activity. Americans should take this opportunity to consider the seriousness of diabetes, how it impacts millions of Americans, and what individuals can do to prevent the onset of this disease.
by Congressman Michael Turner
On November 2, 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a Congressional Proclamation designating the month of November as American Diabetes Month.
Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses facing Americans. This disease happens when the body fails to produce or properly use insulin that converts sugar to the energy needed for every day activity. Americans should take this opportunity to consider the seriousness of diabetes, how it impacts millions of Americans, and what individuals can do to prevent the onset of this disease.
Here are some startling facts on the impact of diabetes in the United States. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 24 million adults and children have diabetes. Using recent census figures, this means that nearly eight percent of the U.S. population is afflicted with diabetes. Every 60 seconds, three Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. Every day in the United States, nearly 200 people with diabetes undergo an amputation, 120 people enter end-stage kidney disease programs and another 55 Americans go blind from diabetes.
Ohio ranks eighth in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the United States. The Central Ohio Diabetes Association estimates 830,000 adult Ohioans are living with the disease. That’s nearly 10 percent of the state population. In 2005, the CDC reported diabetes affects 9.7 percent of the adult population 20 years of age and older across Montgomery County, 7.6 percent in Warren County, 8.0 percent in Clinton County and 8.6 percent in Highland county. A November 13th article in the Dayton Daily News cited Montgomery County’s current diabetes rate above 13 percent, exceeding the state and national averages, according to a survey conducted by the newspaper.
While these numbers are alarming, the problem is expected to be worse in the future. If current trends continue, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates one in three children born since 2000 will develop diabetes. Nearly one in two minority children currently suffer from the disease.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. The American Diabetes Association estimates America spends $174 billion annually on diabetes and its complications. Diabetes doubles the risk of heart attack and strokes and is also the number one cause of blindness in adults.
Nearly 57 million Americans have “pre-diabetes,” and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is diagnosed when an individual’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. High glucose levels in the body can be quite damaging to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system.
Without managing this condition, individuals are more likely to develop disabling or deadly complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. The facts illustrate that diabetes is relentless, debilitating, and potentially deadly if left undiagnosed or untreated. All Americans should be aware of this disease because many times the consequences of diabetes are far more serious than many people realize.
Beyond its impact on the health and wellbeing of Americans, we must also consider the financial cost of living with the disease. In 2007 alone, the total cost of diabetes was estimated to be $174 billion and one in ten healthcare dollars is attributed to the disease.
The good news is that this serious medical condition can be treated. Studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes by making simple changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. The most critical thing you can do is to take control of your own health and take precautionary steps if you have or, are at risk of developing diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that both diabetics and those who are at risk receive an estimated average glucose test every six months in order to measure how well a person is managing their diabetes over time. It is also recommended that those who have diabetes, or are at risk closely monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The Association recognizes the need to continue research and increase awareness to find the causes of, and an eventual cure for the disease. This month, the Association launched its national awareness campaign, Stop Diabetes. More information can be found on their website at www.StopDiabetes.com or calling 1-800-DIABETES.
If you have any further questions or you would like to learn more about diabetes, you can visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website at http://www.niddk.nih.gov or the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Public Health Resource website at http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).