Diabetes: What You Don't Know

I am so confused. Did you know that more people die from diabetes each year than those who die of AIDS and breast cancer...combined!? That's right, combined.

So, why is it that everywhere you look, you see little pink ribbons? Don't get me wrong, I absolutely support cancer research and I applaud their organization for their ability to effectively market their cause. What I don't understand is why the Diabetes Association hasn't found a way to do the same.

How many of you out there even know what the Diabetes Association's logo looks like? How can a disease that currently affects nearly one in ten Americans stay under the radar like it has?

If current trends continue, 1 out of every 3 Americans born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Take a moment and think about your friends and family with children under 10 years old, and what this means for their future. I cannot tell you how much it saddens me to see the direction we are heading in, and know that nobody has managed to get the word out.

With numbers like this, why aren't they shouting this from the rooftops or plastering it on every billboard they can find? I just don't understand it.

I've been a team captain for the Diabetes Walk for the last six years, and one of the things I've learned is that many people have very limited knowledge about diabetes and diabetics don't really volunteer information about their condition until you open up the dialog. I think both of these tendencies contribute to the way the general public views diabetes.

For many, the right combination of diet, exercise and medication allows diabetics to live a normal lifestyle, which also tends to diminish the perceived risks of this disease.

Recently, more and more celebrities, like Randy Jackson and Nick Jonas, are now disclosing their condition, which will hopefully draw more attention, especially from the younger generation. Unfortunately from what I've seen so far, these celebrities only provide inspiration for those with the disease, and haven't done much to increase general awareness.

Until now, I've done my part locally by creating a team, and walking each year. This is my attempt to spread this important information outside the Buffalo area. For more information, visit the American Diabetes Association website. For information on joining a walk in your area, go to Diabetes Walk.

Research and education is vital, and I'm proud to say our team is playing a role in help fight this disease. If you'd like to make a donation on my behalf, please go to my Diabetes Team page. Thank you!