What does Houston Texan NFL player Duane Brown, musician Lil John, and Salt-n-Peppa rapper D.J. Spinderella, have in common? They each have experienced the devastating consequence of a loved one’s untreated diabetes. They joined the American Diabetes Association campaign to tell their personal stories in support of National Diabetes Awareness Month this November. Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from problems in how the body produces and/or utilizes insulin. The most common kinds are type I and type II, but type II accounts for more than 90% of all cases worldwide. Type I diabetes is caused by an auto immune disorder which prevents the pancreas from producing insulin and is not preventable. Type II diabetes develops over time from an overstimulated pancreas affecting the cell’s receptors sensitivity to the insulin response. Type II diagnoses have doubled over the past three decades and continue to increase.
Type II diabetes can be prevented. Raising awareness of the risk factors is the first line of defense. The next step is to focus on lifestyle behaviors you can change; such as maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, and exercise. Medical professionals agree that early detection, together with treatment and lifestyle changes, go a long way to prevent or delay the onset of health complications such as kidney disease, eyesight issues and neuropathy. Getting a regular check-up or even a biometric screening helps with early detection of the disease. The adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure could not ring more true. For more in depth information on diabetes, go to Center for Disease Control, Web MD, and The American Diabetes Association.
Sources
Diabetes Public Health Resource. Center for Disease Control. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/index.htm
The American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/
About the Author
Lisa DeGisi A native of New Jersey, Lisa began her journey when she moved to California nearly a decade ago. Lisa earned a B.A. in Psychology & Sociology from Rutgers University as well as a Personal Training Certification from NASM. She worked in Human Resources before deciding to combine her passion for health and fitness and business experience towards a career in Corporate Wellness. Lisa is an experienced personal trainer, group exercise instructor and wellness coach and practices what she preaches. An avid runner and exercise enthusiast, she lives in San Francisco with her husband and enjoys all the beauty and culture that the Bay Area has to offer.
