Latest stats show that 16 million people in the U.S have diabetes and 6 million more are not yet diagnosed. This disease strikes hardest among the african-american and native american population. I have been diabetic for 38 years since I was age 12. It runs in my family and everyone on my father's side has died from complications (I will be the exception). This disease is vivicious, it attacks, the heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet. In addition since it is a vascular disease it attacks our veins. I encourage all of you to be tested for this disease and have ongoing support groups and information fairs at your church. There is wonderful support now adays. For example on my care team, I have my primary care physician, diabetic educator, physcial therapist who specializes in diabetic lymphatic systems, orthopedic foot specialist, and an opthomologist. I see all on a regular basis and it keeps me healthy. My blood sugars are under tight control and I get to do all kinds of wonderful things. Being diabetic is not the end of the world! When I was first diagnosed I was told I would be dead by age 17. Well I will be 50 on friday. God is still in the miracle making business! If you are diabetic or have a family member who is diabetic keep praying and be of good courage. Do you know someone who is Diabetic?

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2002

Answers

My dad has been a diabetic for about 30 years now. He was diagnosed in his 30's, and it has continued into his 60s. He started with diet control and pills, then went to injections about 15 or 20 years ago. His vision is slightly affected, and he's had a few serious incidents along the way, but other than that I'm unaware of any serious health affects. He's actually been in greater danger from cholesteral than anything. This year he had a quintuple bypass because of that.

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002

Actually RP Diabetes also affects the heart and an unusually high amount of diabetics have heart attacks because diabetes constricts the blood vessels surrounding he heart.

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002