The Diabetes Epidemic Is Looming

With staggering numbers, diabetes affects over 30 million Americans and within that vast figure, rests the overwhelming amount of children affected by diabetes—nearly 200,000. Diabetes is an exorbitant disease, costing approximately 245 billion dollars per year.  In addition, it is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.

In 2010, Tami Balavage’s  teenage son was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes.  With the astounding expenses associated with the disorder, Tami took it upon herself to start HADC (Help A Diabetic Child).   HADC is a 501(c) 3 that purchases diabetes supplies and insulin for children and college students who cannot afford these life saving medical supplies because of financial difficulties.

Since it’s launch, HADC has provided hundreds of thousands of test strips, lancets, syringes, glucose meters and other supplies along with tens of thousands of units of insulin to children in need. Unfortunately, diabetes is becoming an epidemic, and it is critical to bring as much information as possible to everyone and anyone that is affected by this disease.

Over time, type 1 diabetes complications can affect major organs in your body, these complications can happen early in life if you do not maintain a normal
blood sugar level.

Type 1 Diabetes Complications Include:
• Low blood sugar
• Diabetes Ketoacidosis DKA
• Nerve Damage
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Cardiovascular risk factors
• Stroke risks
• Eye disease and conditions
• Kidney disorders

People with type 1 diabetes must check their blood glucose levels and administer insulin several times daily. This can be quite costly, so HADC’s program is a blessing to many individuals needing diabetes supplies and insulin.  Along with insulin injections and/or via pump, proper nutrition and exercise are key to keeping your blood sugar levels regulated. HADC is also supported by grants from The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, Community Foundation of Collier County & Community Trust Fund of The League Club.

Type II Diabetes Complications Include:
• Heart Disease
• Vascular disease
• Neuropathy
• Kidney disease
• Skin Conditions
• Stroke
• Vision loss and disorders
• Amputations
• Non-Healing ulcers
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Type II diabetes can also affect all ages, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and eating the right foods can significantly reduce or stave off this type of disorder.  If your diabetes is advanced, getting the appropriate medication and dosing is crucial for reaching and sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

With rising numbers, nearly 89 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes.  If you are one of these statistics, you must reach out for help now.  Don’t let diabetes wreak havoc on your life.

If you or someone you know has diabetes, HADC and the von Arx Family Foundation are teaming up once again to educate the community on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and new treatment options that are available for your diabetic needs. Philanthropists, Dolph and Sharon von Arx have been serving the Naples community for over 30 years and are proud to co-chair the event with Help A Diabetic Child.  This conference is open to the general public, and will offer 4 CME credits for Physicians, ARNP’s & Nurses.

The 3rd Annual von Arx Family Foundation S.W. Florida Diabetes Conference will be held on Sunday, November 5th, 2017 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Greater Naples YMCA. Prominent speakers and presenters are participating in the conference to discuss prevention and treatment for both Type I & II diabetes.  This year’s conference will bring together doctors, medical institutions, patients, parents and caretakers whose lives have been affected by diabetes.

Each year the S.W. Florida Diabetes Conference brings some of the top researchers and medical professionals who speak and present around the world to Naples. This year they are featuring:

Mark Atkinson, Ph.D. the American Diabetes Associations Eminent Scholar for Diabetes Research

Desmond Schatz, M.D., 2016 President of Science and Medicine of the American Diabetes Association

Timothy S. Harlan, M.D. FACP, currently serving as Associate Dean for Clinical Services at Tulane University School of Medicine, Executive Director of the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine

Jay Hewitt, Ironman triathlete and Novo Nordisk Patient Ambassador will headline the conference this year.

Along with these keynote speakers, many other physicians are presenting.  To view the full list of speakers and to register for the conference, please visit www.swfldiabetes.com.

For more information on how you can help children with diabetes or benefit from HADC’s organization, please visit their website at helpadiabeticchild.org.