When: April
What: Cookies, cakes and other sweets are delicious indulgences. But for some, these sugar-laden treats are off-limits. When diagnosed with diabetes, sugary foods and drinks are often eliminated from your everyday menu. While it is a serious disease, a healthy diet and vigilance can make diabetes manageable. During the month of April, be aware of diabetes and its symptoms during Defeat Diabetes Month.
Background: Each year, 1.9 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people 20 and older. Some of the common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger and sudden vision changes. While some cases of diabetes are manageable without medications, others require insulin injections. Healthy eating and physical activity, however, are important for a person with diabetes, be it Type 1 or Type 2.
Story Pitch: There are a wide number of groups and organizations that can pitch around diabetes awareness. Health clubs and gyms will want to stress the importance of being physically active when diagnosed with diabetes. They may point out how physical activity can help in managing the disease. In addition, manufacturers of health foods and sugar-free products may encourage consumers to take advantage of health foods on the market, noting how important and healthy a balanced diet is to someone with diabetes. Ophthalmologists can alert their patients of the risk diabetes poses to vision, ensuring they are aware of the early symptoms. Meanwhile, nutritionists may want to promote their services to help people live healthier lives.
Story Hook: According to the Center for Disease Control, 11.3 percent of Americans 20 years or older have diabetes. Among Americans aged 65 or older, 26.9 percent have diabetes. Consider the following when making your pitch:
- What are the most common symptoms of diabetes?
- How can a person diagnosed with diabetes manage their day-to-day care?
- Can diabetes be prevented?
- Who is more susceptible to diabetes?
Tips: A doctor who deals specifically with diabetes and diabetes-related issues can provide great insight on how to manage the disease. In addition, a person who has lived with diabetes can give tips on how they have been managing their diabetes.
Resources:
American Diabetes Association
(800) 342-2383
askada(at)diabetes.org
www.diabetes.org
Centers for Disease Control
(800) 232-4636
cdcinfo(at)cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov
Defeat Diabetes Foundation, Inc.
(727) 391-5050
www.defeatdiabetes.org
Diabetes Hands Foundation
(510) 898-1301
www.diabeteshandsfounation.org
–Researched, compiled & written by Kimberly Cooper
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