Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month. “So what,” you say? “Does America really need yet another designated ‘month’?”

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. This is because of the over 14 million Americans who have diabetes, over half don’t know they have it. If untreated, these people face devastating complications and death.

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin, a hormone that changes food to sugar that is used for energy. There are two types of diabetes: Type I diabetes usually affects young children, adolescents and young adults. Type II diabetes is the most common form of this disease and is prevalent in people who are over 30 years old and overweight.

In Los Angeles County, it is estimated that about 1 million persons have diabetes; each and every one faces complications which include blindness, kidney disease, increased risk of heart disease and limb amputations. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the U.S.; each year over 150,000 people die as a result of diabetes and complications associated with the disease.

The American Diabetic Assn. has a simple written screening test which is available to assist people in determining if they are at risk of developing this disease. A call to the American Diabetes Assn. at (213) 381-3639 will ensure that this test is sent to them free of charge. In addition, the ADA will be hosting several health fairs in November to offer free diabetes screenings. Watch for them. I urge all Southern Californians to take advantage of the ADA’s free screening program during November. ARNIE S. BERGHOFF

Chairman, ADA Los Angeles Chapter