Diabetes - Advocating For a Cure

Today is World Diabetes Day.

In my first couple of posts for Blogging for a Cure, I wrote about the ways that diabetes has impacted me, personally. I've had friends with Type 1 (childhood) diabetes. I have immediate relatives with Type 2 (adult) diabetes. Right now, I am overweight, and I am concerned that I may get diabetes myself. I'm beginning to take some action to take better care of myself, lose weight and get into better shape, so that I can avoid getting diabetes and other health problems that go along with an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. Like most lifestyle changes, making a permanent change for the better is going to take time and commitment, but I'm determined to get better.

Like me, you have been impacted by diabetes. The statistics say it's almost certain. The latest estimate is that 18.2 million Americans have diabetes. Right now, there are roughly 290 million residents of the United States. That means over 6% of Americans have diabetes right now. Not only that, the Centers for Disease Control estimates [PDF document - Acrobat Reader required] that in 2003, 24% of Americans ages 20 years and older are obese! Given the well-documented connection between Type 2 diabetes and obesity, either you or someone close to you will almost certainly get diabetes.

The costs of diabetes to the economy are enormous. In 2002, the costs directly and indirectly attributable to diabetes were $132 billion. Yes, 132 billion dollars. Per capita medical expenditures for people with diabetes were over $13,000 versus about $2,500 for people without diabetes. Because diabetes costs so much to treat, year after year, for those that have it, medical insurance rates for everyone are increased. So, even if you don't have diabetes, aren't overweight, and don't know anyone either with diabetes or at risk for it, you are impacted. Diabetes affects everyone, either directly or indirectly.

Since you and I are impacted by diabetes, what can we do about it?

Well, I perused the American Diabetes Association's web site for ideas and guidance, and here's what I came up with. I'm sure there's much more, but the following things can get you started:

1. Most important - live a healthy lifestyle. Keep your weight under control. If you're overweight or obese, begin a program to lose weight with the help and guidance of your doctor. Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. Again, your doctor can guide you in the best ways for you to do these things.
   
2. Register to become a Diabetes Advocate. If you do, the American Diabetes Association will keep you informed on additional ways you can help, bills regarding diabetes being considered in Congress and your state legislature, and so on. Registering costs nothing - just a simple form to fill out at the web site.
   
3. Take part in a Walk for Diabetes. You can raise money to support diabetes research and get some exercise at the same time. Many of the walks have already taken place this year. Some are still to come, though, so check the web site and look at what's happening in your state. If there aren't any walks scheduled in your area, take part next year.
   
4. If your employer has a workplace giving option to support charities, consider supporting the American Diabetes Association through your workplace giving, or donate directly to the ADA. The ADA has a corporate sponsor that will double your gift until December 31, 2003. Remember, you may get a tax deduction for giving, as well! There are a number of programs for donating, so check them out.
   
5. Volunteer your time. The ADA web site allows you to sign up to volunteer and to locate volunteering opportunities in your area.
   
6. Oppose discrimination against those with diabetes. The ADA web site says, "People with diabetes face discrimination at work , at school and day care centers, in correctional institutions, in places of public accommodation such as concert venues , and in many other places in their lives. While this certainly does not happen all the time, these problems are widespread, and they are serious." Such discrimination is wrong. You can help by informing and educating, or actively seeking policy changes when that doesn't work.
   
7. Advocate that health care and life insurance be available at reasonable cost to those with diabetes. Caring for diabetes is expensive and mandatory. Insurance carriers are reluctant to cover diabetics because of the expense. Forty-six states require that diabetic medicine and supplies be covered by insurance, but for those without insurance, including senior citizens, the expense can be a terrible financial burden. For those diagnosed with diabetes, life insurance can be impossible to get or so expensive that it is unattainable.

There are many other ways that you can have a positive impact. The American Diabetes Association's web site is a great resource for finding the ways that suit your circumstances best. I hope you will take some action to get involved by donating time and/or financial support to finding a cure for diabetes and improving the quality of life for those already afflicted.

Permanent link