Diabetes, the silent killer, has been largely overlooked in recent years despite affecting millions of Americans. As we mark World Diabetes Day on November 14th, a day that coincidentally falls on the birthday of Canadian scientist Frederick Banting who discovered insulin in 1923, it's striking to see how far we've come - and yet, not far enough.
In the early days of diabetes research, quack remedies and pseudoscience ran rampant. The Chicago Daily News even went as far as promoting Kellogg's Bran as a "constipation corrective" that could cure diabetes. It was only after Banting's groundbreaking discovery that the medical community began to grasp the complexities of this chronic condition.
Fast forward to today, where an estimated 10% of adults in the US have diabetes - with Type II being the most prevalent form, accounting for a staggering 90% of cases. The irony is that many people with diabetes remain unaware of their diagnosis or don't take adequate action to manage it. The consequences can be dire: blindness, loss of limbs, heart and kidney disease.
As someone who has recently contracted Type I diabetes, I've learned the importance of diligent self-management - from taking four pills a day to injecting insulin every night. However, my experience highlights another crucial aspect of diabetes management: access to affordable healthcare. The cost of prescription medications can be prohibitive for those without insurance or means.
In an era where global warming and climate change are increasingly being acknowledged as pressing issues, it's disconcerting to see many Americans ignoring their own health risks - including diabetes. As the saying goes, "the life is only once." Let's not let diabetes shorten ours unnecessarily.
The statistics on diabetes are staggering: one in three adults in the US has prediabetes or is at risk for developing Type II diabetes. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2045, more than 43 million people worldwide will have developed Type 2 diabetes - a number that's likely to rise further without concerted action.
So, what can we do? First and foremost, let's start by educating ourselves and others about the risks of diabetes and its management. We need to promote awareness campaigns, support research into effective treatments, and advocate for affordable healthcare options for all.
As Banting once said, "The best way out is always through." Let's not be afraid to confront our health risks head-on - we owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and the future of public health.
In the early days of diabetes research, quack remedies and pseudoscience ran rampant. The Chicago Daily News even went as far as promoting Kellogg's Bran as a "constipation corrective" that could cure diabetes. It was only after Banting's groundbreaking discovery that the medical community began to grasp the complexities of this chronic condition.
Fast forward to today, where an estimated 10% of adults in the US have diabetes - with Type II being the most prevalent form, accounting for a staggering 90% of cases. The irony is that many people with diabetes remain unaware of their diagnosis or don't take adequate action to manage it. The consequences can be dire: blindness, loss of limbs, heart and kidney disease.
As someone who has recently contracted Type I diabetes, I've learned the importance of diligent self-management - from taking four pills a day to injecting insulin every night. However, my experience highlights another crucial aspect of diabetes management: access to affordable healthcare. The cost of prescription medications can be prohibitive for those without insurance or means.
In an era where global warming and climate change are increasingly being acknowledged as pressing issues, it's disconcerting to see many Americans ignoring their own health risks - including diabetes. As the saying goes, "the life is only once." Let's not let diabetes shorten ours unnecessarily.
The statistics on diabetes are staggering: one in three adults in the US has prediabetes or is at risk for developing Type II diabetes. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2045, more than 43 million people worldwide will have developed Type 2 diabetes - a number that's likely to rise further without concerted action.
So, what can we do? First and foremost, let's start by educating ourselves and others about the risks of diabetes and its management. We need to promote awareness campaigns, support research into effective treatments, and advocate for affordable healthcare options for all.
As Banting once said, "The best way out is always through." Let's not be afraid to confront our health risks head-on - we owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and the future of public health.
. I mean, sure, the progress made since Banting discovered insulin is cool and all, but we're still not doing enough to support those living with the condition 
. The cost of healthcare is a huge factor for many, but that's just a Band-Aid on the real issue - lack of education 
. People should know more about what they're getting themselves into if they have diabetes, and that includes the risks of prediabetes and Type II diabetes 
. We need to stop stigmatizing it like it's not a huge deal (newsflash: it is 
). Let's start having open conversations about this stuff, and support each other instead of just sitting on our hands 
and don't even get me started on the cost of prescription meds... it's like, hello, our lives are worth more than a few dollars 
especially type 2 which is literally killin ppl left & right. i feel u so much tho about access to affordable healthcare it shouldnt have to be a financial burden rn 
we need more research & awareness campaigns like ASAP! lets get educated & look out for each other 
I feel like with all the awareness around diabetes, we're still doing too little 
. But honestly, it just seems like people aren't taking their health seriously enough 
. Like, I got diagnosed with Type I and now I'm on this crazy insulin regimen... but the real kicker is trying to afford all the meds 
. And can we pls prioritize our own health over climate change for once? 
. and w/o affordable healthcare, good luck trying to manage it 
. can't let diabetes get the best of us 
. We can't afford to wait until it's too late... the future of public health is counting on us 
.
. I mean, think about it, a century ago they didn't even know what was causing this thing, now we have insulin and all sorts of treatment options 
. And don't even get me started on the cost of meds, it's like they're trying to rob us blind 
What's even crazier is how many people don't know they have it or don't take care of themselves because of the cost of meds 
. And can we please talk about how healthcare costs are affecting people's lives? 
Let's do our part and support each other! 
just need better access to meds and healthcare 
let's get educated about it and support research 
. We can't just focus on global warming and climate change without looking after our own health risks too 
. I'm glad someone is speaking out about this, it's time for us to take action! 
.