By Tom Tunny, Immediate Past President, Hamilton Lions Club
November was Diabetes Awareness Month. It did not go unnoticed by your local Lions Club!
A few facts according to the World Health Organization will bring to light the seriousness of this epidemic. The number of people with Diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. The global prevalence of Diabetes among adults over 18 years of age has risen from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation.
Type 1 Diabetes is caused by the lack of production of insulin in the body. There is no known cure and those with D 1 must take insulin every day. Diabetes 2 is called a “life-style” disease and can be avoided by maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, normal body weight, and avoiding tobacco use. The intake of fatty saturated foods and sugar (carbs) should be avoided!
Adults with Diabetes have a two to three fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes if left untreated! It is estimated that 1 person in 11 has Diabetes. In this day of fast food restaurants, television, Facebook, and computers it is getting more difficult to maintain a healthy life-style!
There is a simple screening test that can serve as an indication of the presence of Diabetes. Your local Lions Club, in conjunction with Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, provided a free screening program on November 21 followed by an outstanding presentation on the treatment of Diabetes by Meredith Ross, MD, of the Providence Hospital Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition Center.
The Lions Club would like to thank Amy James, Public Relations Coordinator, and the staff at MDMH who worked so hard to make this program a success!
The Lions Club supports individuals who have financial need for help with eye care, hearing, and diabetes detection.