Why the state Capitol looks so blue today
| Friday, Nov 13 2009 08:26 PM
Last Updated Friday, Nov 13 2009 08:26 PM
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The California State Capitol will be lit up in blue today in honor of World Diabetes Day, which focuses on a united, worldwide vision of diabetes awareness. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue, take a walk and spread the word about the risks for diabetes, which include family history, ethnicity, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, increasing age, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, polycystic ovary syndrome, history of diabetes during pregnancy and birth of a large baby.
In adults at risk for developing diabetes, physical activity, healthy eating and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the chances of developing diabetes by 60 percent.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes currently affects 1 out of 17 adults worldwide. By 2025, the rate of diabetes in adults worldwide will increase to 1 out of 13. In California, 1 out of 7 adults has diabetes and 1 in 4 adults is estimated to have pre-diabetes.
Diabetes is not just about blood sugar. It's about "A through G":
* A is for AIC of less than 7.0 percent. AIC (or glycated hemoglobin) measures the average blood sugar over 3 months.
* B is for blood pressure less than 130/80.
* C is for a cholesterol goal of LDL (bad cholesterol) less than 100.
* D is for diet or healthy eating.
* E is for exercise or active lifestyle.
* F is for fun activities to reduce stress
* G is for GFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate, which measures kidney function.
What can we do to slow the epidemic of diabetes?
* Improve awareness of diabetes or health literacy.
* Expand access to health care worldwide.
* Coordinate services to improve efficiency and affordability of care.
* Support research on how to provide quality, cost-effective care.
* Build walkable communities.
* Support locally grown foods where possible (this is great for us in Kern County).
These solutions require government or private resources and an adequate number of health care providers who are well informed about diabetes treatment and education.
Diabetes is a progressive, chronic, complex medical condition requiring a patient-centered comprehensive team approach. An important part of this team are certified diabetes educators, who are uniquely qualified through their experience, training and certification to coach people with diabetes. CDEs are registered nurses, registered dietitians, pharmacists, licensed social workers, podiatrists, physical or occupational therapists or physicians who work with diabetics and have passed a national examination. They must maintain their skills and knowledge with continuing education.
To contact a CDE or a recognized diabetes education program in Kern County, call 872-1295 or email kerncountyade@sbcglobal.net. Many insurers, including Medicare, cover medical nutrition therapy services and diabetes self-management education/training for diabetes each year. Call your health plan to see how these services are covered.
Show your true blue colors -- be an example by walking and talking to others about the risks for diabetes.
Jill Gawne is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator working at several local dialysis clinics. This September, she participated in Tour DaVita, a 250-mile, three-day event that raised $600,000 for the Kidney Trust. See www.tourdavita.com for more info.
