Diabetes affects nearly 10% of the American population, and according to the American Diabetes Association, 1.4 million new cases are diagnosed each year. The outlook is even more grim for seniors, with over 25% of those age 65+ suffering from the disease. Risk factors include being overweight, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. The American Diabetes Association’s My Health Advisor tool is a great way to assess your risk for this disease.
A key issue for diabetics is the ability to get affordable insulin. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that insulin costs have almost tripled since 2002. These rising costs may lead to “insulin rationing,” a dangerous practice that can have life-threatening complications. If you or a loved one suffers from diabetes, consider signing this petition to help keep insulin affordable.
Small lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of getting diabetes. Eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising more, quitting smoking, and losing weight are all things that you can do to prevent diabetes and many other chronic health problems.
For more information on diabetes and prevention, visit the American Diabetes Association’s website.
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