Thank you for contacting the American Diabetes Association. We have received your e-mail regarding an interview.
Please see responses to your questions in below. Please know that you can also repurpose information from our website, you just need to say According to the American Diabetes Association
First of all, for those who don't know exactly, what is diabetes and could you describe the two primary types, Type 1 and Type 2?
Diabetes, is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.
In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.
Please see: http://www.diabetes.org/
What are the underlying causes of the diseases? In terms of prevention, what are the steps we can take to avoid our
getting diabetes?
The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. Many drugs can impair insulin secretion. These drugs may not cause diabetes by themselves, but they may precipitate diabetes in individuals with insulin resistance.
For Diabetes prevention: Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. The Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent type 2 diabetes by eating healthy, being physically active, and managing their weight.
For type 2 Prevention: http://www.diabetes.org/
Genetics: http://www.diabetes.org/
Please see Diabetes Myths: http://www.diabetes.org/
For those of us who currently have diabetes, what steps can we take to alleviate our symptoms? Can diabetes be reversed?
People with diabetes can have symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia from time to time. Keeping blood glucose levels within target ranges can prevent these symptoms. Please visit the two links provided below for more information.
Hyperglycemia
http://www.diabetes.org/
Hypoglycemia
http://www.diabetes.org/
How does the American Diabetes Association interact with those who have the disease? What support mechanisms do you offer to the patient and to their caregivers?
Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for those affected by diabetes.
We fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.
We deliver services to hundreds of communities.
We provide objective and credible information.
We give voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.
For more information on what we do, please see: http://www.diabetes.org/about-
How can those reading this help the American Diabetes Association?
There are different ways to get involved, such as donations and being involved in community programs and events such as volunteer work and walks. Please see links below.
Stop Diabetes: http://stopdiabetes.diabetes.
In My Community: http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-
Volunteer: http://www.diabetes.org/
For our linking policy, please visit our website link provided below. http://www.diabetes.org/help/
Do you have a question regarding diabetes, the Association or our publications? Our trained coordinators can answer your questions online just go to our website www.diabetes.org click on a topic of interest and look for the chat button at the top of the page.
Sincerely,
Jane Nyondo
Center for Information and Community Support
American Diabetes Association
1-800-342-2383
The American Diabetes Association Alert Day is a one-day "wake-up" call asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This year, Diabetes Alert Day is on March 22 and will begin our "Join the Million Challenge," which runs through April 22. During this time, we will be rallying one million people to take the Diabetes Risk Test.
You can be part of the movement to Stop Diabetes and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish) by one of several ways:
Visit stopdiabetes.com to take the Diabetes Risk Test
Call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)
Text JOIN to 69866 (Standard data and message rates apply)
Although Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year round.
