Weiss Memorial Hospital is having a Diabetic Health Fair for patients, staff and members of the surrounding community. Dozens of diabetics and their caregivers learn about new technology for diabetes monitoring and healthy habits at this comprehensive Diabetic Health Fair. Participants can enjoy healthy snacks and win prizes as part of a “Test Your Knowledge” dietary contest. For more information, call Weiss at (773) 564-5666.
Thursday, March 25, 2010, 11am-2pm, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Medical Office Building Lobby, 4700 N. Marine Drive, Chicago, IL 60640.
The prevalence of diabetes is epidemic and rates are rising at alarming rates. By 2020, 33 percent of the U.S. population is expected to have diabetes. Lest any one think that diabetes is just a niche health issue or a lifestyle-induced disease, consider this: Type 1 diabetes, often referred to as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease and the incidence is rising 3-5 percent a year. No one knows why.
ReplyDeleteWithout a cure or significant advances in treatment, diabetes and its complications will consume healthcare spending. As it is, one out of every three Medicare dollars is spent on people with diabetes. That's more than $200 billion dollars this year alone.
In both absolute terms and as a percentage of the federal budget, Medicare spending is growing and it's no coincidence that it is tracking with the rising prevalence of diabetes. Cure diabetes and suddenly that growth curve doesn't just flatten, it's inverted and hundreds of billions of federal dollars are released for other purposes.
Ok, that’s the policy blurb. Here’s the personal appeal from one neighbor to another: Go. Get yourself tested. Find out if you’re at risk for Type 2. If you are, take steps to mitigate it. Oh, and if you’re thinking “Hey, I’m not overweight, no worries,” consider this: You don’t have to be overweight to develop Type 2. Obesity is just one of the best known triggers.