Message From Our Executive Director
By Andrew P. Mandell – MR.DIABETES®
March 2010
March is National Kidney Awareness Month
As a diabetic I am fully aware of my risk(s) for developing Kidney disease. The possibility of developing kidney disease for a diabetic is far greater than that of the non-diabetic. That’s a fact – that’s our reality. But, that doesn’t mean we resign ourselves to this unpleasant possibility becoming a reality. NOT ON YOUR LIFE! We can do a number of things to prevent it. And if that’s not possible, certainly delay it and minimize the full impact of this “inconvenient” condition.
To get an idea of the seriousness of kidney disease and how one man has learned to deal with it successfully, please read the account of Bob Brooks in this issue of E-Lerts™. This man has been through HELL, yet maintains an optimistic attitude which he carries into everything he does. Bob was my Tour Manager for over 3900 miles of the 10,000+ miles of The MR. DIABETES® WAKE UP AND WALK® TOUR. During that time I had an opportunity to see him deal with his medical issues under some of the most difficult and challenging circumstances. But he did it without ever a single complaint. I am proud to call him my friend.
But, the fact that Bob didn’t raise a complaint doesn’t take away from the seriousness of kidney disease. And I, for one, am one diabetic who is determined not to add this complication to my already long list of diabetic consequences: neuropathy(ies), surgery on both eyes because I was facing blindness due to diabetic retinopathy, and more. I am, unfortunately, a very high profile for developing kidney problems. So, here is what I am doing to prevent it, or at the very least, delay it.
Because diabetes is a medical issue, I see an internal medicine specialist every three months. That requires a blood profile which includes an A1c Test (measures glucose control for the previous 8-12 weeks; as well as being the definitive test to determine if you are diabetic), cholesterol (HDL- the good one, and LDL-the bad one), triglycerides and, occasionally, others; Creatinine, micro albumin and a few others. All these tests are important to measure my general health. When these are all in proper balance the report is a good one – which means my kidneys are still functioning properly. That said, I do take a medication as a preventive; it’s known as an “ace inhibitor”.
Diabetes is also a metabolic disorder. Therefore, it is crucial to eat properly: 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes – DAILY. It’s not tough to do. Suggestion, read Dawn Swidorski’s column “Fruits & Veggies” for some helpful hints. Also, check out Shirley’s Vegetable Garden. And, read the NUTRITION sub-tabs under Self-Management at our website. www.DefeatDiabetes.org
Exercise is also an indispensible component to dealing properly with diabetes and avoiding kidney disease. To get you started, I urge you to read Bonnie Stein’s column in this issue of E-Lerts™. Bonnie has consented to being a regular columnist with DDF, and how fortunate we all are to have her. Bonnie is an expert, with full credentials, in the area of fitness, and more specifically, RaceWalking. You can learn more about Race Walking (and how anybody at any age can do it) and Bonnie: www.AceWalker.com
[NOTE: I am the senior citizen guy who walked the perimeter of the United States for diabetes awareness – 10,030.3 miles; I have just finished my fourth class in Bonnie’s Beginner Race Walking class. After every class I am “walking” away with new, meaningful and easily applicable walking hints to improve my own walking regimen. We can always learn more and do better.]
Bottom line: if you are at risk for developing kidney disease (and as a diabetic you are at VERY high risk) you can prevent it, or delay it, by living a healthy lifestyle.
Good Health.
Andrew P. Mandell – MR. DIABETES®
Executive Director
AWARENESS + ACTION = PREVENTION®
