By Sydney Portilla-Diggs
Campus Correspondent
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) proclaims that there are “many faces of diabetes.” In fact, according to the ADA, about 21 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes while another 54 million people are at-risk.
However, these aren’t the only faces affected by diabetes. The faces of the parents and the loved ones caring for someone with diabetes are faces in the picture as well. The American Diabetes Association brought the focus up close and personal recently by featuring a different “face” of diabetes every week.
Week one focused on caregivers
People who are newly diagnosed with diabetes experience a range of emotions. Furthermore, learning to live with a chronic illness often challenges an individual emotionally. However, providing a support system for a loved one can present its own unique challenges. Because it is easy to become overwhelmed by all the information you receive, find resources to get the answers you need. Ask your health care professional. The ADA provides resources to help the newly diagnosed people.
Week two focused on the employee
People spend more than one-third of their day at work. Because of this fact, some workplaces are initiating healthier snacks and exercise programs. According to ADA, placing emphasis on healthy lifestyles in the workplace is essential. In addition, ADA claims that by supporting diabetes awareness and prevention at the workplace, companies actually save money.
Week three focused on diabetes around the world
Over 246 million people in the world have diabetes. It is predicted that by 2020 over 380 million people will be afflicted with the disease. The United Nations recognized diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease in 2006, and designated World Diabetes Day to be observed every year on November 14th.
Week four focused on at-risk populations
On average, African-Americans are 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of similar age. Mexican-Americans, the largest Hispanic subgroup, are 1.7 more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. American Indians and Alaskan Natives are 2.2 times more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic white males if you take into account population age differences. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders were 1.5 more likely to have diagnosed diabetes as non-Hispanic whites according to a study conducted in California.
Week five focused on youth and type 1 diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce or the body does not properly use insulin. The body needs insulin to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. No one knows the cause of diabetes, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
According to the ADA, one in 400 children have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile diabetes) accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 percent to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with weight control, healthy eating habits and exercise.
The American Diabetes Association continues to bring diabetes awareness by presenting the faces of diabetes. These weeks focus on a few; however, diabetes has many more. To learn more about diabetes visit www.diabetes.org.
