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Diabetes affects 10 percent of county

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 7:02 AM Monday, December 14, 2009

Teresa Warren doesn’t dive into holiday treats with the same gusto as her friends and family.

Warren, 44, of New Miami was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes eight years ago and works with her doctor to keep her blood sugar in check with medication and by watching her diet.

“I’m not a real big sweets eater, but of course I’m going to have a piece of pie. When you’re a diabetic you just have to do everything in moderation, but you can’t deny yourself completely,’’ Warren said.

Warren is among a growing number of people nationwide who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Nationwide, 24 million people suffer from the disease, up 3 million in the last three years. And in the next 25 years, the disease population is expected to rise to 44.1 million, according to the journal Diabetes Care.

The disease affects 830,000 in Ohio and 10 percent of residents in Butler County, which ranks 13th in diabetes cases statewide, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The reason for the spike in diabetes cases nationwide and in Ohio is largely due to the obesity epidemic; Ohio currently ranks the 10th fattest state.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.

The cause of the disease is unknown, but genetics, obesity and lack of exercise contribute. If left untreated, the disease can lead to blindness, amputations, renal failure and death.

But Dr. Andrew Schulz, a primary care physician in Trenton, said if managed properly, diabetes isn’t a death sentence.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint and doesn’t kill anyone overnight. But it does cause damage over time and if ignored it can be devastating,” Schulz said. “Patients need to have a healthy respect or fear of the disease.’’

Schulz said diet and exercise, along with monitoring the illness with the help of a doctor, are keys to managing the illness.

But Schulz admits that the holidays can be tough.

“One of the biggest obstacles is understanding what you can and cannot do,’’ Schulz said. “For the next (four) weeks they’re going to be around people giving gifts and holiday meals and deserts.’’

Schulz said diabetics can enjoy themselves, but have to remember portion control.

Warren said it’s easy for diabetics to slip into bad habits.

After Warren was diagnosed she said was terrified and followed her doctor’s orders to manage her disease.

But for about four years, she quit seeing a doctor and monitoring her diet and blood sugar.

“I got complacent about it,’’ Warren said. “I was eating whatever I wanted and stopped going to my doctor completely. I stopped taking my medication for a while. I didn’t have any symptoms so I thought I was OK.’’

Warren said her life changed when she found a good family doctor to help her manage the disease.

“You can ignore it only for so long. You’re not going to be able to outrun it,’’ Warren said. “...Nothing tastes as good as living feels.’’

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2180 or tlatta@coxohio.com.

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Hey who is going to be 1st, I hope your future consists of good health because you just cursed yourself, good luck son!

H balsak
2:33 PM, 12/18/2009

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Your grandson sounds fantastic, Marilyn!

Angela
1:00 PM, 12/15/2009

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My 8-yr old grandson has Type I and he copes every day with, not only food issues, but continuously checking his blood during sporting events, school activities, and before every meal; as well as his parents making sure all of the necessary supplies and insulin are always on hand. He is so brave, he doesn't complain, has only asked a couple of times during the past five years "why me?" Many of us adults could learn from him.

Marilyn
10:29 PM, 12/14/2009

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At 58 years old, I've been a Type 2 diabetic, insulin dependant, for 16+ years now, but I don't "hide behind it" nor use it as a shield. You get your ups&downs, mood swings and learn to deal with it. Mine may have come from being a VietNam Veteran along with other factors in my life. I have found that diabeties is only a "struggle" if one chooses it to be a "struggle" for sympathetic purposes.

Thomas D. Porter
5:00 PM, 12/14/2009

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Diabetes is for the most part tied to overweight inactive people, type 2 especially. So until we start giving obese people some incentive to eat right and exercise, there is going to be even more diabetes to deal with. First step, get rid of those electric scooters the obese people ride on and make them WALK!!!

Mr. Obvious
5:00 PM, 12/14/2009

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