November 2008 is National Diabetes Month in American Samoa
Governor Togiola Tulafono has proclaimed November 2008 as National Diabetes Month in the territory, and he is calling upon the people of American Samoa to learn more about the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes, and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
The theme for the 2008 National Diabetes Month is: “Why Should You Care About Diabetes.”
According to Togiola, diabetes is a debilitating disease the affects about 23 million Americans of all ages. Every ten seconds, a person dies of diabetes. And in those ten seconds, two people develop the disease.
“National Diabetes Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about risk factors, prevention, risk reduction, and the treatment of this serious disease,” Togiola wrote.
Diabetes is a condition resulting from either the lack of insulin or ineffective use of insulin by the body, resulting in uncontrolled glucose levels. The most common form of diabetes affecting our people and the entire world is Type Two diabetes, which is associated with obesity.
(American Samoa is ranked second, with the most obese patients in 194 countries).
According to the Governor, the people of American Samoa can take steps to control the disease and lower risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease by maintaining healthy eating and exercise habits and consulting with care providers about diabetes testing.
The Department of Health and the LBJ Tropical Medical Center are both committed to providing quality care for diabetics and their family members.
Togiola said that throughout National Diabetes Month, “We recognize the health care professionals, researchers, and community health workers for their continuous effort in improving the quality of life for our growing diabetic population.”
According to the Governor, “We owe it to our children to provide an environment that is less conducive to nurturing obesity.”
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