Today is the 23rd annual American Diabetes Association’s Alert Day – which marks not only the Association’s one-day “wake up” call, but also the official start of the “Join the Million Challenge.”
The “Join the Million Challenge” is a four-week challenge – which ends on April 22 - the challenge aims to rally one million people to help Stop Diabetes® by taking the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and inspiring their friends, family members and colleagues to do the same. It builds on the success of 2010, the year in which we surpassed our goal of inspiring one million Americans to be part of the American Diabetes Association’s Stop Diabetes movement.
The Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test shows users whether they are at low, moderate or high risk for type 2 diabetes. If an individual is at high risk, he or she is encouraged to talk with their health care provider.
Today’s guest blog post is from Jeffry D. Gerson O.D., a VSP provider at WestGlen Eyecare & Omni Eye Center of Kansas City. He also lectures frequently on the topics of retinal disease and systemic disease and most notably has been our speaker at the VSP Eye on Diabetes Campaign.
There are many joys associated with being in private practice. Of course, the biggest one is knowing that you have helped a patient. Usually it involves helping somebody see better with glasses or contacts (and although this is rewarding, it doesn’t compare in magnitude to additional opportunities), but often forget the greatest thing we can do for our patients…save their lives. Although that may sound a little dramatic, eye doctors have the opportunity to dramatically improve our patients’ quality of life by helping them get their diabetes diagnosed earlier.
Eye doctors absolutely play a critical role in helping people with diabetes, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I take advantage of opportunities to help people understand their diabetes and how to prevent complications. I make sure that people understand A1c, the importance of self monitoring their blood glucose and general diabetes information. Too often, people have changes in their eyes from diabetes before they even know that they have diabetes. Approximately 20% of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have “diabetic retionpathy” at the time of their diagnosis! It is often the changes to the eyes that lead to the diagnosis.
Just last week I had a patient come in and on screening retinal imaging I saw 2 peripheral dot hemes. After questioning and further examination, I determined that this patient most likely has diabetes. I sent him to his primary care physician for confirmatory diagnosis. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing that because of prompt referral and likely treatment, this person may not suffer amputation, blindness or other consequences of long-term uncontrolled diabetes.
Annual visits to the eye doctor are a great way to not only keep your vision great, but to make sure you are healthy in general.
Blue is the color of World Diabetes Day, reflecting the sky that unites all nations. Here is a photo of VSP's building lit blue (2009)
Celebrated every year on November 14, today is World Diabetes Day. Because diabetes continues to be a growing, global concern, the International Diabetes Federation created World Diabetes Day to draw attention to this disease. And today, millions of people from all corners of the world will engage in diabetes advocacy and awareness.
TuDiabetes is recognizing today with their event called The Big Blue Test. Today, at 14:00 (local time), they are asking everyone with diabetes to test their blood sugar, do 14 minutes of exercise, test again and share their results online. Check out this video for more information on The Big Blue Test.
Our headquarters is located in Sacramento, CA and our community is recognizing this day by lighting up the State Capitol in blue. Find out how you can participate in this year’s World Diabetes Day by looking up an event in your neighborhood.
Guest Blog Post from Jessica Hein, member of VSP’s Eye Health Management Team.
According to a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they project diabetes numbers to triple to about one in 3 U.S. adults by 2050. Currently, roughly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and one-quarter of them don’t know they have the disease. The study goes on to say diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2007 and is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults under age 75.
Did you know eye exams are the only non-invasive way to view blood vessels to check for signs of diabetes? By looking at these blood vessels, the eye doctor can detect signs of diabetes, hypertension and several other chronic conditions. Eye doctors are in a unique position to change the current trajectory of diabetes in our country based on ease of accessibility, the ability to detect chronic conditions during an eye exam, and the opportunity to influence patients to make behavioral changes to protect their eyesight. VSP Vision Care is encouraging everyone to visit their eye doctor annually to maintain healthy vision and overall wellness. Find a VSP Provider near you to schedule your next appointment. More on the new CDC study.
Here’s a short video about why I want to help Stop Diabetes. Submit your 30-second video for a chance to win a prize as well as be part of the American Diabetes Association‘s Stop Diabetes public service announcement.
Team Type 2 officially finished Race Across America (RAAM) in 7 days, 15 hours, and 8 minutes. They began their 3,005-mile journey in Oceanside, California June 12 and crossed the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland June 20, in hopes to inspire others living with diabetes, to achieve their dreams.
All the riders in Team Type 2 participating in RAAM have type 2 diabetes.Team Type 2 rider Rob Coburn said “It’s one thing to control your blood sugar during a day at the office and a daily workout. But it’s really different when it’s 27 degrees at 9,000 feet above sea level three days into a race. It’s hard to explain…I thought the riding would be harder, but the logistics were so much a part of the success.” Team Type 2 is living proof to all patients with diabetes that their disease can be controlled through healthy eating, regular exercise and appropriate medication.
About Team Type 1 and VSP Vision Care
Team Type 1 is a group of athletes living with diabetes. The team includes professional race teams, a triathlon team and a development team. Team Type 1 strives to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes. VSP® Vision Care is proud to be their exclusive eyecare and eyewear provider.
Back by popular demand VSP EyeFiles, featuring Bill Nye the Science Guy! In the second video of the series debunking eye health myths, Bill and Dr. Roger Phelps dive deeper into the facts surrounding comprehensive eye exams and if eye doctors can detect signs of serious diseases like diabetes. Watch as Bill and Dr. Phelps saddle up and discuss what an eye doctor can see in an eye exam with a patient who has the disease. You’ll discover why it’s so important to make annual visits to your eye doctor for an exam – even if you don’t need glasses.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Roger Phelps is a VSP Vision Care eye doctor practicing in Ojai, Calif. He’s a Certified Diabetes Educator and also has type 1 diabetes. Dr. Phelps is passionate about educating others about this disease and the importance of eye exams. For more information about his practice, Ojai Eyes Optometry, visit his website.
Guest Blogger – Edward Tepper works as an accountant, is an avid photographer and a rider for Team Type 2. He was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2008 and through cycling and exercise, stays happy and healthy while properly managing his condition. He shares his personal experience on how switching to progressive lenses helped him.
Ed Tepper with Team Type 2
I’ve been wearing glasses since ever I can remember, and I’m now 61. About 30 years ago a friend talked me into wearing contact lenses and I did up to about 9 months ago. The story about me changing back to glasses started a few years ago when I could no longer read close up or clearly see a computer screen without “cheater” reading glasses. I had several pairs that I kept in different rooms at home and in my office. Then one night at a nice restaurant I had to ask my wife to read the menu to me because I left my cheaters at home. Needless to say, the ribbing continued through dessert. Read more »
I have a very vague memory of my initial diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. I was four years old at the time. After showing the telltale signs of diabetes, weight loss and constant thirst, I was told by my mother that I would need to go to the hospital that night. I have a horrific memory of my four-year-old self, sobbing as doctors in a small room surrounded me. They tried to settle me down, gave me IV fluids and placed me in a room to try to get a good night’s rest. However, as soon as I arrived at that room, I looked down at my hand with the IV needle and saw blood seeping through the bandage and tape. More crying and horrific thoughts ensured and thus began my life with diabetes.
The next year was my first year in kindergarten. My mother came to school each day at lunch to check my blood sugar to make sure that it was at an acceptable number. As a pretty modest child, I did not like the extra attention. I refused to talk about my disease and refused to tell any of my friends that I had diabetes. I was convinced that if anyone else found out I would be a social outcast.
The years progressed and I continued to keep my diabetes a secret. At times I did not want to eat snacks during the day to avoid the stares from the other kids wondering why I could eat and they could not. I got low blood sugars during class and instead of treating them by eating a snack I would will my blood sugars to go up on their own. Obviously, that did not work and I’d finally give in when I’d be shaking so hard it was difficult to write, sweat dripping down my back. Read more »
Team Type 1 and 23andMe announce a strategic partnership to research and understand Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes through 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service. 23andMe, an industry leader in personal genetics, conducted a genetic analysis of all 88 members of Team Type 1, to investigate diabetes and how genes impact athletic performance. The analysis was conducted at Team Type 1’s training camp in Georgia where saliva samples from each team member were collected.
The process by which 23andMe genotypes DNA uses the latest in DNA technology. Once the lab receives a sample of a person’s saliva, DNA is extracted, cut into smaller, more manageable pieces and applied to a DNA “chip.” The DNA chip is a small glass slide with millions of microscopic beads on its surface. Attached to each bead are “probes”—bits of DNA complementary to sites in a person’s genome where their single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, are located. SNPs act as biological markers and allow scientists to locate genes associated with disease.
Shawn Milne of Team Type 1’s Professional Men’s Team takes part in the 23andMe research study.
The last time a study like this was conducted was in 2009 when over 100 players from the NFL were recruited for a study to understand how genes impact athletic performance. It was the largest genetic examination ever conducted on professional American athletes.
Today is the 22nd Annual American Diabetes Association Alert DaySM. Diabetes Alert Day is day set aside each year to raise awareness about the seriousness of type 2 diabetes, particularly when it is left undiagnosed or untreated. The American Diabetes Association is encouraging everyone to join the movement to Stop Diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test. The risk test is a series of simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. It shows you if you’re at low, moderate, or high risk for diabetes.
Pro basketball player, Tyreke Evans, knows how serious diabetes is, and he’s committed to raising awareness about it. On Diabetes Alert Day, he’s taking the Diabetes Risk Test and is challenging you to do the same. Find out what your risk is so you can make proactive choices about your health, and don’t forget to share the test with your family and friends! For more information about Tyreke’s challenge, click here.
Diabetes Risk Test
VSP Vision Care is proud to be a National Strategic Partner with the American Diabetes Association and is committed to the cause.
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