The report I gathered last year from two CDC studies indicated that the diabetics are monitoring their blood glucose better so there are now fewer reports of the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. In fact, the occurrence of cardiovascular disease is down by 11 % from 1997- 2005.
The authors noted that the decrease may be due to lower risk factors of high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking and better use of preventive treatment like taking a daily low dose of aspirin. Whatever is the reason, it is still a high note.
Among the blacks, the decrease is more than 25% between 1997 and 2005. It is kind of a surprise because this group is likely to have higher diabetes rates than the whites and Hispanics which are the other two ethnic groups included in this study.
Cardiovascular disease is the chief cause of death among the Americans and in 65% of deaths among the diabetics. That is why this is a very encouraging report as this will help beat diabetes. And with the stem cells
research on President Obama's agenda, we can't help but be optimistic.
The second report also makes me happy for there is a significant increase among the diabetics who monitor their blood sugar level at least once a day. The rate increased by more than 22% between 1997 and 2006. This exceeded the goal of the national health of 61% by 2010.
This is great news for this is the key to managing the disease to prevent complications like amputation, heart disease and retinopathy that could lead to blindness. As long as we continue maintaining the blood glucose level to as close to normal as possible, then we will be in for more good news.
I am glad that people are taking advantage of the help they are getting but continued education and self-monitoring are keys to preventing and managing diabetes. So let us continue our effort and spread the word around. Help others take the steps to manage the diabetes so they can prevent the complications.
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