County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:

November 14, 2014

 

Freeholders mark Diabetes Awareness Month

Proclamation issued to draw attention to disease

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – November is Diabetes Awareness Month. To raise awareness of the dangers of diabetes, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders issued a proclamation and is urging residents to make a plan to prevent diabetes and its complications. The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders present a proclamation to Barbara Feinstein, President of the Board of Directors of the Central Jersey Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation declaring November as Diabetes Awareness Month at their Nov. 13 meeting in Freehold, NJ. Pictured left to right: Freeholder Serena DiMaso, Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, Barbara Feinstein, Freeholder John P. Curley and Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich, Sr.

 

“I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 50 years and it is a struggle,” Freeholder John P. Curley said. “It is important to know the risk factors and warning signs of diabetes, because it can lead to severe health problems and complications such as heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage and even amputation.”

 

To draw attention to the disease and the need to be aware of its causes and prevention, the freeholders presented a proclamation to Barbara Feinstein, President of the Board of Directors of the Central Jersey Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The proclamation was presented at the Board’s Nov. 13 meeting.

 

“The advances that have been made in the treatment and prevention of diabetes are tremendous, but there still is no cure,” said Feinstein. “I appreciate the Board recognizing Diabetes Awareness Month and it is my hope that one day we will find a cure and not need a month of awareness.”

 

People can get diabetes at any age. Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes are the three main kinds of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers or young adults.

 

Type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop Type 2 diabetes at any age – even during childhood. Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

 

In the United States alone, there are nearly 30 million children and adults living with diabetes, and another 86 million at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

 

“Ultimately, you are the person in charge of managing your diabetes or risk of diabetes,” Curley said. “Simple changes in lifestyle over time can dramatically alter the risk.”

 

Risk factors for diabetes include having high cholesterol, being overweight or having blood sugar levels higher than normal. According to the Centers for Disease Control, moderate weight loss and exercise can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes among adults.

 

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