Why Diabetes Must Be Addressed: A Personal and Public Health Crisis

by Ana García

As an independent journalist, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of diabetes on people and their families. Diabetes, a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes sugar in the blood, has become an epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 34 million Americans have diabetes, and another 88 million have prediabetes, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated.

I myself have a personal connection to diabetes, as my mother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in her 50s. Watching her struggle with the disease has made me acutely aware of the toll it can take on a person’s health and quality of life. Diabetes can lead to a host of complications, including nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. It is also a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, making it one of the deadliest diseases in the world.

Despite its widespread impact, diabetes is often overlooked in the public discourse. In a culture that values productivity and efficiency, chronic diseases like diabetes can be dismissed as a personal failing. However, this attitude ignores the complex web of factors that contribute to diabetes, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and social determinants of health like poverty and access to healthy food.

To address the diabetes epidemic, we need a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the complexity of the disease. This includes increasing access to preventive care, educating the public about healthy lifestyle choices, and investing in research to develop new treatments and therapies. We also need to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to diabetes, such as poverty and lack of access to healthy food.

One promising solution is to focus on community-based interventions that empower individuals to take control of their health. This includes programs that provide education and support to help people manage their diabetes, as well as initiatives that improve access to healthy food and physical activity. By working together as a society, we can create a world where diabetes is no longer a devastating and life-threatening disease, but a manageable condition that can be successfully treated and prevented.