Diabetes in NDN Country

[jones]

More diabetes information would be good. We need to educate those that aren't diabetic so they understand the disease and how to try to avoid it in their lives. What I would give for the freedom to eat without any negative reactions. I think I eat the biggest, greasiest burger with the coldest, largest COKE (not that sissy diet stuff either)

[Pvt Butter]

Jones lost a toe

look down a few threads...I think there's a little something there.

[scorpiostwin11_76]

In my community we have people bringing awareness to the younger people. I'm 28 right now, and I have been hearing about diabetes prevention since I was 18. It seems like everyone knows whats out there, but they don't want to accept it. I have a friend that has diabetes and she's only 2 months older than I am. She's had diabetes since she had her first child, about 9 yrs ago. Now she's doing the shots and everything in her day to day routine. I don't want that for myself. I agree with the healthy eating and exercise. I was told by a nurse that high blood pressure is a factor too. She told me that if I walk every day to keep my blood pressure down it would help diabetes prevention. So I try to put in some miles walking everyday. I liked your response. Thanks for your feedback. Anyone else?

[p_town_mami]

It is a well known fact that diabetes is prevalent in Native communities. Therefore, we all must do what we have to in order to prevent it. My grandfather died two years ago of diabetes related complications. He had to get one leg amputated, then a year later the other, then became confined to the bed, developed bed sores and paranoia and hallucinations and all sorts of stuff. My family does not believe in putting our family out, so we (my mom, my 18 year old brother, and an aunt and uncle) took on the brunt of caring for him. It was about a 6 month long, horrendous and cruel death. I was 28 years old, and my grandfather was my life. When I was about 15 he had to undergo quadruple bypass, and we thought we were going to lose him then. After that time, I spent my life trying to prepare myself for his death. I could not imagine life without him...I thought my world would end when his did. Anyway, this thing kinda woke me up. I decided from that moment on that I was not going to have that happen to me. I decided that I don't want to be a 50 year old woman who has to lose 100 pounds or whatever. So I began doing what I need to do...eating right, exercising, what not. I've lost quite a bit of weight, and still need to lose more, but I know that I've got to do what I got to do to prevent the same thing from happening to me. Everyone in my family gets diabetes around the age of 50-55, and my dad was diagnosed when he was 46. So, as I said, at 28 years old (now 30) I made the decision to do whatever it takes to prevent myself from developing diabetes, delaying its onset as long as possible.

[scorpiostwin11_76]

I didn't notice any threads about diabetes amongst native people. I don't know about anyone else, but diabetes is becoming a concern of mine, personally because I have family members with this disease. I would just like to hear what others' comments are about this disease. I had a grandmother that died from diabetes. I know a lot of friends and relatives that have it. Please respond to this thread. I am interested to see what your views are.