Diabetes is affecting more people every single day. Family members, friends, maybe even you. More than 30 million Americans are living with Diabetes and about one in four of them, don’t even know it yet. In fact, many people don’t fully understand what Diabetes is or how to know if they’re at risk.
Erin White is a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at MidMichigan Health in Midland.
She said there are two major forms of Diabetes.
“Type 1 Diabetes can occur at any age but is usually, typically found in younger populations. And this type of Diabetes is usually related to an auto-immuned response in the body. So type 2 Diabetes is typically a hereditary type of Diabetes. It’s usually seen in people of older ages but can occur at any time,” said Ms. White
White said Type 2 Diabetes can be associated with weight gain and other medical diagnosis but is often found that it runs strong in families. She said over 90-95 percent of people with Diabetes have type 2.
White said it develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults. She said you may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get a regular blood sugar test.
White said Diabetes educational programs, like her health system offers, can help people with Diabetes take control of their illness so they can live an active life.
“It includes clinical Diabetes support and care. It includes education and also behavior services. So when we’re talking about Diabetes, self-management, education and support this is included as part of a comprehensive Diabetes medical care,” she said.
White said Diabetes programs can make a big difference in people’s lives.
“They have proven reduction of onset of Diabetes when somebody seeks these services as a prediabetic. Reduction of complications associated with Diabetes. It’s been proven to improve quality of life, and also improvement of healthful lifestyles things such as eating healthy and regular physical activity.”
White recommends that people participate in Diabetes self-education and management during four critical times... at diagnosis, once a year, if complicated factors develop, and when there is a transition in life or in health care.
Right now MidMichigan Health, like many hospitals, are offering virtual and phone appointments. White said they want to help ensure that everyone could seek services safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As far as medical costs, White said people with Diabetes are estimated to spend more than twice as much on health care than people without Diabetes. She said hospitals accept a variety of insurance and a patient can confirm with their provider if they’re covered.
“For those folks that are over 65 they’re chances are probably 20 percent that you have Diabetes,” said Doctor Sethu Reddy.
Doctor Sethu Reddy is a Professor and Chair of Medicine at Central Michigan University College of Medicine.
He said Diabetes is prevalent in Northern and Central Michigan communities, especially in older residents.
“If you’re younger then it’s less likely. Then if you include those folks that are Native American heritage living in Michigan they also have a higher prevalence. They may be also approaching maybe more like 10 to 12 percent,” he said.
Doctor Reddy said high Diabetes case counts are a recent trend; meaning in the last 150 years, the disease has grown across the country. He said it’s important to screen for Diabetes…And he stresses the importance of diet and lifestyle. He said the challenge is imitating the past culture focused on physical activity and a more healthy diet.
That kind of lifestyle change can prevent obesity… heart disease… and the growing epidemic of Diabetes in the United States.