By Shirlett Warren/reporter
Diabetes is an epidemic in America, and education is the key to prevention, the TR health services coordinator and registered nurse told students Nov. 9.
Speaking to more than 40 staff members and students, Veronica Warrior said diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make or correctly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar and other foods into energy for the body.
“Most people panic when they hear they’re diabetic from their doctor,” she said. “But diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to die.”
The audience received a packet of handouts that included information on the types of diabetes, treatment options and preventative measures.
“I’m a nurse. I’m not a doctor,” she said. “But I’ve stayed up on my knowledge of diabetes because of the number of patients I see with the disease.”
She said people need to understand the difference between the risk factors of diabetes and the actual symptoms of the disease.
The primary risk factors include being overweight, eating a diet high in sugar and in fried or processed foods, a lack of regular exercise and a family history of diabetes. About one-third of the audience raised their hands to indicate that they felt they are at risk for diabetes.
“Forty percent of children come from diabetic families,” Warrior said. “Our habits can put our children at risk.”
Symptoms of diabetes are lethargy, extreme thirst, frequent urination, irritability, weight loss and blurred vision. Warrior said if people are experiencing those symptoms, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.
“A physician can accurately diagnose the disease and get you the right treatment,” she said.
Going untreated can lead to other health risks including kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, blindness, nerve damage and strokes, Warrior said.
“You either have a will to live or a will to die,” said Kenton Davis, TR student. “I want to live and be here for my family, so I need to take care of myself.”
TR student Ashley Ford said she enjoyed the presentation and the information was on point.
“I just learned what the symptoms of diabetes are,” she said, “and what to look out for.”
World Diabetes Day was Nov. 14, a day of global awareness for the disease, Warrior said.
“We have to raise awareness about this disease so that we can help prevent it,” she said. “And we also need to educate people who may already be at risk. Advocacy is a commitment.”
For more information about diabetes, call 1-800-342-2383 or visit www.diabetes.org.
