3. Take part in a Walk for Diabetes. You can raise money to support diabetes research and get some exercise at the same time. Many of the walks have already taken place this year. Some are still to come, though, so check the web site and look at what's happening in your state. If there aren't any walks scheduled in your area, take part next year.
4. If your employer has a workplace giving option to support charities, consider supporting the American Diabetes Association through your workplace giving, or donate directly to the ADA. The ADA has a corporate sponsor that will double your gift until December 31, 2003. Remember, you may get a tax deduction for giving, as well! There are a number of programs for donating, so check them out.
5. Volunteer your time. The ADA web site allows you to sign up to volunteer and to locate volunteering opportunities in your area.
6. Oppose discrimination against those with diabetes. The ADA web site says, "People with diabetes face discrimination at work , at school and day care centers, in correctional institutions, in places of public accommodation such as concert venues , and in many other places in their lives. While this certainly does not happen all the time, these problems are widespread, and they are serious." Such discrimination is wrong. You can help by informing and educating, or actively seeking policy changes when that doesn't work.
7. Advocate that health care and life insurance be available at reasonable cost to those with diabetes. Caring for diabetes is expensive and mandatory. Insurance carriers are reluctant to cover diabetics because of the expense. Forty-six states require that diabetic medicine and supplies be covered by insurance, but for those without insurance, including senior citizens, the expense can be a terrible financial burden. For those diagnosed with diabetes, life insurance can be impossible to get or so expensive that it is unattainable.
There are many other ways that you can have a positive impact. The American Diabetes Association's web site is a great resource for finding the ways that suit your circumstances best. I hope you will take some action to get involved by donating time and/or financial support to finding a cure for diabetes and improving the quality of life for those already afflicted.
Article comments
1 - Lynn
Do you know if it is safe for diabetics to use Leptoprin? I have type2 for 5 years now and control it with strict diet and exercise. I still need to lose weight. Can I take this?
Thanks
2 - Victor Plenty
Leptoprin doesn't do anything, so it might be safe, but it's a waste of your money and time.
3 - Pete Nelson
Lynn,
I'm not an expert on diabetes medications at all. I think the wisest thing to do if you have questions about the safety or effectiveness of any drug, especially if you have diabetes (or in any other circumstance, for that matter) is to bring it up with your doctor. He or she is, in my opinion, the place to check first.
4 - Victor Plenty
Leptoprin isn't a diabetes medication. It is a "supplement" whose manufacturers claim it will induce weight loss.
They don't call it a medication because that would require rigorous scientific testing of their claims.
Calling it s supplement lets them avoid all that inconvenience and just start selling stuff that doesn't really do anything to people who are desperately grasping at straws.