Support the Fight to End Diabetes

By Andrea Hughey, Associate Manager, American Diabetes Association

The diabetes epidemic has no bounds - even here in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Children, co-workers, caregivers, minorities, and the elderly are some of the many faces of diabetes in our community.

Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States– including about 325,000 in the Kansas City area - have diabetes. Another 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, which puts them at serious risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. It is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and lower limb amputation. Unfortunately, many people are unaware they have diabetes or are at risk for developing the disease.

Pre-diabetes is a condition that comes before diabetes. It means that blood sugar levels are higher than normal but still are not high enough to be called diabetes. Someone with pre-diabetes has the power to delay or prevent the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes by practicing a routine of regular physical activity, such as walking daily and weight loss. For someone overweight, any weight loss, even five or 10 pounds, will lower the chances of getting Type 2 diabetes.

The power to resist the onset of diabetes also resides in healthy eating. Some simple steps to make to change healthy eating habits is to include a fruit or a vegetable with each meal or snack. If you crave seconds at a meal, reach for the vegetables, salad and fruit. Also, drink water or calorie-free drinks instead of regular soft drinks and juice.

Only a doctor is able to diagnose pre-diabetes. It is important for anyone the age of 45 or older and overweight to have their blood sugar checked for pre-diabetes at a doctor’s visit. For someone who is 45 or older and at a normal weight, or under the age of 45 and overweight, the doctor should determine if the pre-diabetes test is necessary.

What can the Kansas City community do to help stop diabetes in its tracks?

As the American Diabetes Association is preparing for American Diabetes Month® in November, it is an ideal opportunity to get involved with the American Diabetes Association of Greater Kansas City. Participate in an event or educational program. Volunteer. Be a diabetes advocate and write local government representatives, urging them to support diabetes-related legislation. To get involved, contact the American Diabetes Association of Greater Kansas City at (913) 383-8210, or visit www.diabetes.org/kansascity.

The future of our community is at risk. Join the American Diabetes Association in helping the many faces of diabetes.

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