Diabetes Cases Quadruple Worldwide Since 1980: Report

Title: Diabetes Cases Quadruple Worldwide Since 1980: Report
Category: Health News
Created: 4/6/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/7/2016 12:00:00 AM

Source MedicineNet Diabetes General http://ift.tt/1qxeHw8

Together for the Win: Our Mission, Football and Diabetes Camp

Famed football coach Vince Lombardi summed up the recipe for victory when he said “people who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.”

I take these words seriously because tackling diabetes requires a team of people banded together with grit and gumption—people who stay focused on the endgame while making the most of each opportunity to gain ground right now.

Today is the American Diabetes Association’s Capitol Hill Advocacy Day, a time when Diabetes Advocates from across the country gather in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to make diabetes a priority and invest in diabetes research and prevention. At our press conference on Capitol Hill this morning, I had the privilege of announcing a new team that is now a part of the American Diabetes Association family. Team Tackle unites the Association with 45 current and former professional football players and top draft picks—representing all 32 professional football teams—to draw attention to diabetes and prediabetes.

During the press conference, Dr. Maggie Powers, the Association’s President of Health Care and Education, and I had the opportunity to deliver the Association’s 2016 Stop Diabetes petition—with more than 79,000 signatures—and our asks for federal funding for diabetes research and programs to Senate Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Susan M. Collins.

The event also shared the important message that diabetes touches everyone in our country, featuring stories from Team Tackle members Dont’a Hightower (New England), Mike Golic (sports commentator and retired player) and Lorenzo Alexander (free agent). Association volunteers and advocates Gina Gavlak, National Advocacy Committee Chair; Michelle Foster, member of the National Advocacy Committee; Anastasia Albanese -O’Neil, a member of the Association’s Advocacy Committee; and  Aiden Dine, an 11-year-old diabetes advocate who has type 1 diabetes, were present to share their personal stories as well.

But we aren’t stopping there. Team Tackle members, Association leadership and advocates are now heading to meetings with members of Congress to discuss the importance of federal support for diabetes research and programs.

Later this afternoon, the Association and Team Tackle will also participate in panel discussions at the White House as part of an event that will examine the current state of diabetes prevention, research and treatment efforts. Team Tackle speakers will include Rashad Jennings (New York), Aaron Murray (Kansas City) and Sam Acho (Chicago). The event will be livestreamed from 2:00-4:30 p.m. EDT on the White House website at WhiteHouse.gov/live.

We’re excited about today’s kickoff for Team Tackle, but it is simply the beginning. Starting today, Team Tackle is asking you to support children with diabetes in gaining the skills and confidence they need to manage their diabetes by sending them to camp.

This isn’t your typical summer camp—these are American Diabetes Association® Diabetes Camps. They offer a safe, fun place for kids with diabetes to participate in traditional camp activities while learning healthy habits—nutrition, fitness and diabetes management skills—and creating lifelong friendships. American Diabetes Association camps welcome children with type 1 diabetes and those who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Health care professionals oversee daily diabetes care and help campers learn to live successfully with their disease. Through teachable moments, campers develop self-confidence and learn to become more independent.

You can find more information about becoming a Camp Champion by visiting http://ift.tt/1q8Us7t.

Thank you for your support. As Team Tackle’s tagline says—we’re together for the win when it comes to tackling diabetes!

Kevin L. Hagan
Chief Executive Officer
American Diabetes Association

Source Diabetes Stops Here http://ift.tt/1S4Sceh

Cost of Insulin Rises Threefold in Just a Decade: Study

Title: Cost of Insulin Rises Threefold in Just a Decade: Study
Category: Health News
Created: 4/5/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/6/2016 12:00:00 AM

Source MedicineNet Diabetes General http://ift.tt/1PVqWXL

FDA: 2 Diabetes Drugs May Be Linked to Heart Failure Risk

Title: FDA: 2 Diabetes Drugs May Be Linked to Heart Failure Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 4/5/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/6/2016 12:00:00 AM

Source MedicineNet Diabetes General http://ift.tt/1TDaGBH

Why I Am a Diabetes Advocate: Allison Holdgreve

This week, advocates from around the country will convene in Washington, D.C., for the biannual American Diabetes Association® Capitol Hill Advocacy Day. What does it mean to be a Diabetes Advocate? Let’s hear from Association volunteer Allison, who will be joining us!

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When I was 6 years old, my life changed FOREVER when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Now I am 11, and FOREVER is a long time.

I still play competitive soccer and the flute, and I am a straight-A student. But it isn’t the same. FOREVER tethered to diabetes, the many pricks and sticks. FOREVER? REALLY?

Each day I have to check my blood sugar at least 6 to 10 times. I have to measure all my food and figure out how many carbohydrates there are in what I eat. It’s a lot for a kid, or anyone, to manage.

I do have a different life than my friends, but I am NOT different than them. I have to think every hour, every minute, every second of every day about how what I am about to do will affect my glucose. My friends can go and run around or go to sleep and never think that something bad might happen. But with my diabetes, it’s something I cannot control; it’s something that could send me to the hospital in an instant.

My first thoughts about a friend’s party are not about the fun. I think, “Do I have my meter? Enough strips? Juice? Do I have enough insulin in my pump?” I wonder what kind of cake and food will be there. Will my mom be there to help me, or will I have to teach another adult about my diabetes? I cannot NOT think about these things because they keep me alive. NOT healthy, but ALIVE.

I’m an 11-year-old making sure I have the things I need to survive each and every day. I was told this was FOREVER at the age of 6. FOREVER with insulin and checking my glucose.

Five years later, and I don’t want this forever. The ups and downs, the emotions I deal with, the looks and stares of people when I prick my finger and when they ask if I have a “pager” on my hip. The stress I see in my parents when they check my glucose in the middle of the night, the doctors’ visits and all the medical bills they pay.

FOREVER just seems wrong to me.

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Just because you’re not joining Allison on the Hill doesn’t mean you can’t help. Anyone who is affected by diabetes can be an advocate and take part Capitol Hill Advocacy Day from afar.

Please sign our petition to Congress at http://ift.tt/1ToIy54. Together, we can win this battle!

The Association also asks that you join our Thunderclap and dedicate your social media status to help spread the word about our advocacy efforts. By inviting your friends and family to participate we can ignite a dialogue about the importance of preventing, treating and curing diabetes.

Source Diabetes Stops Here http://ift.tt/1qtXt2L

Weight-Loss Surgery May Help Control Type 2 Diabetes in Long Run

Title: Weight-Loss Surgery May Help Control Type 2 Diabetes in Long Run
Category: Health News
Created: 4/4/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/5/2016 12:00:00 AM

Source MedicineNet Diabetes General http://ift.tt/1MRsAit

Why I Am a Diabetes Advocate: Michelle Foster

This week, advocates from around the country will convene in Washington, D.C., for the biannual American Diabetes Association® Capitol Hill Advocacy Day. What does it mean to be a Diabetes Advocate? Let’s hear from Association volunteer Michelle, who will be joining us!

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My name is Michelle and I’m currently a (SNAP– ED) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Program Assistant and Family Nutrition Educator with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Nutrition Program.

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around 15 years ago.  Along with that diagnosis I also received information about the Association from the doctor who began treating me at that time. I was encouraged to get involved with local Association activities and for that I am and will always be grateful.  I have learned so much over the years both from my involvement as well as from the doctor who not only treated my diabetes but who also helped me to learn about how it affected me personally and what I needed to do to manage it effectively.

Today I manage my diabetes with an insulin pump and carbohydrate counting. I am also currently a member of the Association’s National Advocacy Committee and its Volunteer Engagement Workgroup. I was the president of the Hampton Roads (Virginia) Community Leadership Board from 2010 until 2013. I have also started a Diabetes Support Group in my local area.

The cost of diabetic complications continues to skyrocket! And like a lot of people, living with diabetes is a burden for me, as there are always prescriptions that need filling, lab tests to be done and frequent medical appointments to keep. However, the absolute worst are the constant hospitalizations due to the complications.

I am worried that I may have to take an early retirement if I cannot keep the hospitalizations to a minimum. I will continue to fight, take my medication and do whatever else is necessary to try and prevent this from happening.

Diabetes knows most of my family members by name. Its complications have already robbed me of several relatives. I am truly TIRED of missing days and weeks at a time, away from both work and my family. If I can’t work, I will not be able to continue to pay for my medications.

Please help us find a cure for this disease and put a stop to the ongoing suffering that it creates. We need funds allocated for continued research and programs.

We cannot do this alone! Together is the only way for us to make this happen. Please join us in our fight!

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Just because you’re not joining Michelle on the Hill doesn’t mean you can’t help. Anyone who is affected by diabetes can be an advocate and take part Capitol Hill Advocacy Day from afar.

Please sign our petition to Congress at http://ift.tt/1ToIy54. Together, we can win this battle!

The Association also asks that you join our Thunderclap and dedicate your social media status to help spread the word about our advocacy efforts. By inviting your friends and family to participate we can ignite a dialogue about the importance of preventing, treating and curing diabetes.

Source Diabetes Stops Here http://ift.tt/1Tz2ceU