National Diabetes Forum

National Diabetes Forum

NATIONAL DIABETES FORUM

On October 30, 1997, the Centers for Disease

Control (CDC) hosted the first of a series of "National Diabetes Town Hall

Meetings," with the theme "Diabetes: Control is Prevention." The

presenters, led by Dr. Frank Vinicor of the CDC, were in an auditorium in Atlanta,

Georgia, but a live closed-circuit television hookup allowed participants from all over

the country to immediately participate, and to respond by phone or fax. Doctors,

dietitians, diabetics, and diabetes educators were able to question leading figures in

diabetes research.

We heard how 27% of current Medicare funding goes

for diabetes, how 1700 more people are diagnosed with diabetes every day, and how the

disease costs Americans an estimated $92 billion every year. We heard how diabetes falls

disproportionately on ethnic minorities, and that diabetes educators need to take

traditional foodways into account when designing meal plans, to improve compliance. We

heard a suggestion that the church play a greater role in encouraging healthy lifestyle

and trust for the public health system. And we heard how an estimated 90% of all diabetes

care is provided by non-specialist primary care physicians and general practitioners.

Diabetes education is essential, for both patient and doctor.

The CDC promised there would be more of these

meetings.

When they happen, VOICE OF THE DIABETIC will be

there.