The Executive Director of the ADA Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, Kevin Kelly returned to discuss the disease that affects 33.1 million Americans, a disease that is pacing to affect 54% of the world population within 20 years. We discussed the types of diabetes, Type 1, caused by the body’s inability to use insulin, and Type 2, caused by obesity, stress and inactivity, the type increasing most rapidly and striking younger and younger people. Kevin spoke about the ADA efforts to drive discovery through research and education, to raise awareness through advocacy and the support those affected by diabetes with resources. While genetics can play a role in the development of diabetes, he also offered advice to listeners, drink water, eat your ‘colors’ (vegetables) and exercise to help prevent the disease. He also recommended the ADA website for more tips, menus and recipes for a healthy diet and information about the upcoming Ride/Run/Walk (formerly the Tour de Cure) taking place in Doylestown June 16th, and the annual Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes November 3rd in Philly. Both events help support ADA programming, including Camp Freedom for children with Diabetes. Finally, a look at what some states have done to create collaboratives between agencies to track and prevent diabetes; how diabetes affects our GDP in lost wages, medical costs and other indirect costs. Visit the ADA here!
