On November 17, 2012, the CEO of Eli Lilly, John C. Lechleiter, put out a letter about the significance of Diabetes in the world.  He did that because it was World Diabetes Day.  But, when you understand the statistics involved with this disease and the cost, you’ll probably agree with me that everyday is “World Diabetes Day.”

•  I am a diabetic myself, but was stunned none-the-less by what I learned from Dr. Lechleiter’s letter:
•  The world’s diabetic population has doubled since 1980.
• In the U.S. one in three adults are diabetics or pre-diabetics.
• Diabetes is a factor in more than 15% of deaths in North America.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness, kidney failure and non-traumatic amputations. Also a leading contributor for heart attacks and stroke.
• Caring for people with diabetes accounts for 11% of global health costs. That totals about $465 billion annually.

Because Diabetes is unique to most of the people that have the disease what works for one patient doesn’t necessarily work for another. It’s a progressive disease. And what works for a patient one day might morph along with the progression of the disease.

I also know, as a diabetic myself, that a daily exercise regimen is very helpful. So is eating healthy foods. I figured out that it was important to me that I give up diet sodas, to which I believe I was kind of addicted. I replaced that fizzy liquid with a lime flavored seltzer water that I really like so that I get that sparkling quench that I want… and it’s so much better for me.  If you’re a diabetic, look for things that work for you. Talk to your doctor about what kinds of things you need to change. And very importantly, stay adherent to the meds that your doctor prescribes.