Diabetes

A Message from DR. JAMES R. GAVIN III, M.D., Ph.D., past chair of the National Diabetes Education Program and past president of the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Gavin is clinical professor of medicine and senior health advisor on health affairs, Emory University School of Medicine and adjunct professor of medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, He was president of the Morehouse School of Medicine from 2002-2004.

EVERY March, the American Diabetes Association works with EBONY magazine to help readers gain a better understanding of diabetes and the progresses being made to combat this disease.

Sadly, diabetes is still on the rise. The prevalence numbers have jumped since last year, and it is now estimated that 20.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. While 14.6 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately 6.2 million people are not aware that they have the disease.

Since diabetes is a silent disease, many people first become aware that they have diabetes when they develop one of its many life-threatening complications. They might be rushed into emergency rooms after having either a heart attack or stroke. Or other complications like uncontrolled high blood pressure, kidney problems, sexual dysfunction, dental disease, pregnancy complications, or progressive problems with blurry vision and loss of eyesight may be the first warning signs.

Every fourth Tuesday in March, the American Diabetes Association holds its annual Diabetes Alert Day to try to reach those 6.2 million people who are undiagnosed and to encourage them to go see a doctor. The campaign further works to educate those who are at risk for developing diabetes so that steps can be taken to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Yes, diabetes can be prevented or delayed in some people, and I am not talking about surgery or a miracle pill. Clinical research continues to show that by cutting back on the amount of calories and saturated fat you eat daily, being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days and losing a bit of weight can delay, or prevent type 2 diabetes. However, diabetes doesn't go away once you have it, so it's better to work hard at preventing it in the first place.

Right now, approximately 4,110 people are diagnosed every day with diabetes. In 2005, 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people age 20 years or older. These statistics are pretty alarming, but, really, what do the numbers mean to you and your family?

There seems to be an explosive growth in the prevalence of diabetes, but we are also experiencing a similar surge in our knowledge about the disease. In this special diabetes section, we will take a look at some of the new technologies and better treatment options that are available for people with diabetes. We will also spotlight a few success stories from individuals making extraordinary strides in supporting diabetes research funding, information and advocacy efforts in their communities. Also, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), a vital member of every good personal diabetes care team, will share her personal insight about working with her patients in Chicago.

Over the years, I have worked with several health organizations devoted to the health concerns in the African American community. In an effort to share my own knowledge and experiences, I published Dr. Gavin's Health Guide for African Americans. This guide is a resource for families that can be the first line of defense against diseases that grow out of our lifestyle choices, and they have to be stopped where they start, in our homes. Obesity and sedentary living lead to diseases like diabetes. What we eat and how much we eat has to be balanced by being active. Obesity is the No. 1 cause of disease in our country that leads to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease and cancer. And we need to do something about it now.

To order a copy of Dr. Gavin's Health Guide for African Americans, visit the online bookstore at www.diabetes.org, where you will find a great selection of cookbooks and other great books about diabetes. And to connect with a local American Diabetes Association office in your area, contact 1-888-DIABETES (342-2383) to learn more about how you can get involved in supporting the diabetes mission. Or go online at www.diabetes.org/africanamericanprogram.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning