American Diabetes Association
From LoveToKnow Diet
With approximately 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or nearly 7% of the American population, with diabetes, it is a blessing to have the American Diabetes Association as a source of information and support regarding diabetes. Furthermore, since it is estimated that nearly 6.2 million people have the disease yet are not diagnosed, the association is a critical link for reaching out and servicing all those possibly inflicted with the disease.
Background and Mission
The American Diabetes Association is a non-profit health organization serving each state throughout the country. It was established in 1940 and continues to be run by volunteers. Its board of directors includes specialists in the field of diabetes, including doctors and dietitians. There are certified public accountants, along with a variety of other experts in professional fields. The association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
Services
The three main areas of focus include:
- Reseach
- Information
- Advocacy
Research
The American Diabetes Association monetary support grew from $18 million in 1999 to $40 million in 2005. The money directly funds several research endeavors deliberately aimed toward the treatment, cure, and prevention of the disease. Projects are occurring in several states across the country, many in conjunction with the National Institute of Health. These studies look at specific aspects that may play a role in diabetes, including genetics, cell biology, and immunology. Along with these areas, research is continually being conducted on the educational and behavioral impact of living with the disease.
There is an application process for receiving grant money from the association for research studies. Guidelines for conducting a study, as well as all the necessary forms, can be found at the American Diabetes Association website.
Information
Whether you need statistics, management tips, referral sources, or meal plans related to diabetes, this organization has it all. You will find information and educational literature at the Diabetes Learning Center. The center offers help with everything from eating choices and monitoring blood sugar levels to assessing your care team members and emotional affects you may encounter. In addition, there is information about the risk factors associated with acquiring diabetes, the prevention of the disease, and the necessary steps to take when first diagnosed. All of this information is available in English or Spanish.
Advocacy
The association is involved with many government departments and maintains a strong position for gaining support. Due to its firm mission, the American Diabetic Association is undoubtedly the force behind many strides achieved in the investigation of diabetes.
American Diabetes Association Membership
Virtually anyone can become a member of the association. At this time, for $28 a year, an individual can enjoy the many benefits of being a member. These include a subscription to the association’s monthly magazine, Diabetes Forecast, updated information on local events and activities, the latest information on treatment and technological advances, and access to a toll-free hotline for questions, concerns, and resources. Furthermore, participants receive discounts on publications such as cookbooks, educational guides, meal planning tools, videos, and the annual supply guide.
For professionals, the fees vary for membership. As of this time, dues ranged from $135 to $310 for physicians, and $80 to $158 for other providers. There is an application process for this group in order to join.
Other Perks
When you visit the American Diabetic Association’s website, be sure to check out the following areas:
- Diabetes Risk Test
- Message board
- Live question & answer
- Nutritional tips
- Recipes
- Weight loss and exercise advice
- Newsletter
- Education
The association offers programs of training in diabetes care. You can view all the details or request information via this direct link.
Learn More
Comments
Hi Benny,
I recommend first, that your mother follow her doctors recommendations. You are so right, that many people don't understand all the names by which sugar can hide in an ingredients list. One of the reasons your mother prefers the Ensure is that it is tasty and sweet. It's not just her. Many of us tend to make unhealthy selections based on our tastes and preferences. The sad result is that it is a detriment to our health.
Another option is to get your mother back to eating some whole foods and not to depend on supplements like this as her main dietary source of nutrition.
Good luck. It's not easy.
Hello. I'm writing on behalf of my diabetic (type 2) mother. Though I'm from Israel, I would like to ask about a well known American product: ENSURE PLUS (produced by "Abbott", Illinois), which is today my mother's main and favorite food during the day. I'm referring also to one of Joel Berman answers, in your website, while he mentions ***CORN SYRUP SOLIDS**** one of this food ingredients. He includes it in the "sugar list" products (He writes there: "What some people don't realize is that sugar goes by many names when it comes to ingredient lists.
On the other hand, here, in Israel, this product is formally given in hospitals and by doctors, also to diabetic patients.
Recently, my mother's sugar levels are jumping high and down. An endocrinologist checked my mom and after consulting with a diabetic nurse, decided to stop this ENSURE use, and to give another product (Glucerna) which is produced also by Abbott.
Unfortunately, my mother prefers much more the ENSURE (again: her main food!), and secondly – it is much more expensive.
Can you give me any advice?
Thanks.
Benny Yacobi
-- Contributed by: Benny yacobiHi Joel,
Dates are 103 on the glycemic index. This number indicates how fast a food is likely to raise your blood sugar. If you're experiencing low blood sugar, you would choose to eat a carb that will raise your blood sugar quickly. If your blood sugar tends to spike after eating dates you'd want to choose something with a lower glycemic index. The impact a food has on the blood sugar depends on a variety of factors including ripeness, fiber and fat content, time of day, blood insulin levels, and recent activity. Use the Glycemic Index is one tool available to help control your diabetes, but it is best to talk over specifics with your doctor.
-- Contributed by: Donna SundbladThis page has been accessed 11,451 times. This page was last modified 06:59, 28 January 2007.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Email to friend
Follow ltk on twitter
