DIABeducation™
ByTheresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE
MOVING THE DIABETES MOUNTAIN
We have a pandemic on our hands and where is the outrage?
The worldwide outbreak of diabetes has only just begun to hit. Our ability to manage the disease from a medical perspective is marginal. Sure, the professional community is working overtime to make a difference, yet managing the flood of impending new diagnoses, on top of the millions of people currently dealing with diabetes, will take every living person and most likely, generations to come.
Turning the tide of astronomical consequences of the diabetes outburst, from the impact it has on a personal level and the potential it has on breaking the health care bank, is like moving a mountain, or two or three. It seems insurmountable. Especially when people are more concerned about the bird flu or West Nile virus, real threats, but they are just that — threats, whereas people die hourly from the complications of uncontrolled diabetes.
We are under attack in a war with diabetes. We need to mobilize an international army if we stand a chance to defeat diabetes. It starts in our own backyard. Take a look around. The "enemy" is within our homes, our neighborhoods and everywhere we turn. Temptation to move away from health is only feet away at any given time. Can we set an example within ourselves? Every day we decide little things that add up to our overall, individual and global health.
What can we do? Increase activity and improve eating habits. We all know what this is: avoiding fried stuff, junk food, huge portions, and skipping meals. Knowing the feeling of being satisfied as opposed to being stuffed. Find an excuse to stay physically active.
Let's pass on habits of health and teach our children. Let's start a diabetes revolution. Let's move this mountain together.
