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Diabetics

There is an epidemic in this world that strikes with uncanny force. Millions will suffer and die because of it. Others will be marked by the tragedy and the cost, anxious that they may catch the illness soon or, unbeknownst to them, already be infected with it. Their future is uncertain. What a scenario so similar to a science fiction thriller. Yet, it is as real as the news on television. The reality is that over 240 million people will have this “infection” by the year 2010 (World Health Organization WHO). As much as $100 billion dollars annually have been spent just in the United States alone for the healthcare of those who have been struck with this global epidemic. What is this world wide disease? Diabetes is its name; and, yes, if they are diabetics, people certainly won’t leave home without it!

Diabetics live with their diabetes day in and day out. There are those who responsibly manage their diabetes by following a diabetic meal plan, participating in regular exercise, and taking their prescriptions of diabetes drugs and/or diabetes insulin. Whether they take one or two or more of diabetic medicines, they always consciously keep track of when, what, and how when to take them, what dosage to take, and how to take them, whether with meals or milk or neither. If they have to inject themselves with diabetes insulin, they are as conscientious in taking it. They meticulously follow doctor’s orders and test their blood sugar levels daily and frequently as per the doctor’s instructions. From their diabetes testing they can see how well they are managing diabetes. Also, they have learned to recognize their body signals if blood sugar levels are off-center.

Contrasting with these responsible diabetics, there are the diabetics who approach their diabetes mellitus rather casually. They are uninformed regarding the dangers of this insidious disease. They ignore any diabetic information or news often growing bored with the topic. Furthermore, if diabetic symptoms are mild or so scarce they go unnoticed, diabetics may be ignorant of the fact they have the disease. Since, at times, the symptoms of diabetes are easily confused with the signs of aging, half of the diabetics in America are unaware they even have contracted the disease.

“No news is good news” some people may think. However, with diabetes this is not the case. For, just as a man holds a gun and threatens the life of a person, diabetes threatens the life of any diabetic. Heart, brain, nerves, circulation, liver, pancreas, kidney, feet, hands, eyes every part of the diabetic’s body falls under the cruel invasion of diabetes. So, the mellitus persistently continues to destroy their bodies causing dreadful consequences such as: degeneration of the eye’s retina, leading to blindness; kidney failure; damaged nerves; sometimes amputation of limbs due to unhealed wounds or infections; and finally, perhaps so severe a dehydration and glucose overload of the body’s system which immediately causes a collapse into a diabetic coma.

Uninformed and choosing to remain so, some diabetics are not very responsible in regards to their diabetes. They may still continue eating junk foods, too much starchy foods, and too many sweets. They may continue in their old lifestyle practices, careless about weight control or exercising, neglecting to check their diabetes sugar level, and perhaps even forgetting to take some of their diabetic medications. These individuals may be in complete denial about the seriousness of their diabetes mellitus, ignoring the concerns of doctors, friends, and families. Before it is too late, they should realize the true nature of diabetes it is not a casual disease. These diabetics should take note of those diabetics who live vital, healthy lives by diligently managing diabetes responsibly.

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