More Reason Than Ever

As if we didn't have reason enough to lose weight and get healthy, a report released by the CDC a couple of days ago should do it.  According to the report, diabetes will double or trip in the U.S. by 2050, with up to one-third of adults having diabetes if the current trend continues. " 'We project that, over the next 40 years, the prevalence of total diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed) in the United States will increase from its current level of about one in 10 adults to between one in five and one in three adults in 2050,' the CDC's James Boyle and colleagues wrote in their report."

Before we dismiss this report with thoughts that by 2050 we'll either be ancient or dead so who cares?, the reality is that in 2050 those diabetics will be our children and our grandchildren. The unhealthy habits that are becoming ingrained now will wreak havoc on the next generation unless things change drastically.

I've seen the ugliness of diabetes up close and personal.  My paternal grandmother died at age 68 from complications of diabetes, one of my maternal great-grandmothers lost a leg due to diabetes, as did my mom's brother, my uncle.  Several of my mom's first cousins died early due to complications of diabetes, including stroke and kidney failure, and one of her cousins had a leg amputated while in his early/mid 60's.  My mom lost part of her vision in one eye and has diminished kidney function because of her own diabetes (now under control thanks to Take Shape for Life/Medifast).  Believe me when I tell you that I wouldn't wish diabetes on my worst enemy, and the thought that my children or grandchildren could end up diabetic is terrible.

What's also terrible is the truth that diabetes is preventable.  It can sometimes even be reversed - IF individuals are willing to make permanent changes in their lifestyle.  I've had the joy of working with a number of diabetics who've seen a tremendous improvement in their disease once they were on this program, often quickly reducing or even eliminating their medication.  My own mom (age 81) is pretty much off of her insulin (previously she took 4-7 units of insulin after every meal and still ran pretty high numbers).

So what's our part in stemming an epidemic that won't reach its full impact until 2050 or beyond?  Our part is to make the decision to take charge of our own health now.  By doing so, we will not only add years to our own lives (to say nothing of improving the quality of our lives), but we will also be setting a healthy example for the next generation, and the one after that.  For those of you who are still busy raising children, you have the opportunity to begin changing your children's health future today.

We can't help others until we help ourselves - we need to lead a new  health revolution by example.  We can't expect our families to make healthy choices if we aren't willing to do so ourselves.  We will help ourselves - and our families - one day and one choice at a time.  For your own sake, for the sake of those you love, choose wisely :-)