Letter: Raise awareness of diabetes

While the debate on health care rages on, it concerns me that prevention efforts are not a pivotal part of the argument for reducing health care costs.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the cost of diabetes for the state of Alabama in 2006 was almost $2.5 billion. In 2007, the national cost exceeded $174 billion.

While not all forms of diabetes are preventable, diet and exercise can play a large role in preventing Type II diabetes, which would greatly reduce health care costs at the state and national level.

The Center for Disease Control predicts that by 2050, if left unchecked, diabetes rates will triple and will affect 48.3 million families.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and a great time to learn more about the risks of diabetes and methods for prevention. I work with clients every day who are taking charge of their health by making small lifestyle changes like moderate exercise, increasing fiber and eating more whole grains. These small changes can drastically reduce the risk of weight-related health problems that are placing a huge burden on our health care system and on our family budgets.

Investing in prevention is an investment in our future.

Claire Pearson
Dothan