he AMA,
in partnership with the American Diabetes Association,
recently brought together some of the nation's foremost
diabetes experts to present new research and
recommendations to help the millions of Americans who
have diabetes.
“Living with Diabetes: Advances in Research and
Care,” a special briefing held January 18 in New York
City, featured new research and recommendations for type
1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes and type 2 (“adult
onset”) diabetes in such diverse areas as immunotherapy,
pediatrics, cardiovascular disease, nutrition and
ophthalmology.
An estimated 16 million Americans have diabetes,
though more than one in three do not know that they have
the disease. The good news is that through recent
advances, many of which were presented at the briefing,
people living with diabetes can look forward to better
health and a brighter future.
Reporters at the event, representing TV, radio,
Internet and print publications, learned about the
economic, social and emotional impact of the disease on
society – as well as new advances in care.
Among other recent research, the briefing featured
information on the revolutionary idea that type 1
diabetes may be preventable and the unfortunate news
that children are experiencing the type of diabetes
previously only seen in adults (type 2 diabetes).
People with diabetes can maintain tighter control of
their blood sugar levels thanks to advances in
monitoring and treating high blood sugar, according to a
promising report discussed at the event. Information was
also presented on the need for people with diabetes to
take preventive measures to avoid the complications of
vascular disease, heart attack and stroke.
Information on the dangers of fad diets for diabetics
was also discussed, as was the importance of dilated eye
exams and a recent initiative by Foundation of American
Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric
Association in partnership with the Health Care
Financing Administration to make it easier financially
for people to get these exams.
Providing forums to share medically important
information with the media is an effective communication
tool that helps the AMA reach the nation’s patients and
physicians. The experts agree that addressing diabetes
as a public health issue is of vital importance. The AMA
is proud to be a part of this effort.