In its continued mission to support older adults and their families in the community, Parker Jewish Institute educated the community about the escalating health risks posed by diabetes on Nov. 14, World Diabetes Day.
Inside Parker’s lobby, experts were on hand to answer questions and share information about diabetes prevention, care management and education. Visitors, residents and staff stopped by an information booth where they could ask questions and find resources to manage risks, understand warning signs and support a healthy lifestyle.
Held each year on Nov. 14, World Diabetes Day is organized by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. The campaign aims to raise awareness about this chronic disease.
With diabetes, the pancreas can either no longer make insulin, or the body can no longer effectively use the insulin it does produce. This leads to raised glucose levels in the blood, which over the long term are associated with “damage to the body and failure of various organs and tissues,” according to the International Diabetes Federation.
“Diabetes is a very real health threat, and many people who have it right now are walking around undiagnosed, so it’s important to get educated, and if necessary, take action,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s president and CEO. “Helping people to understand the risks of diabetes and encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle can prevent life-threatening complications in the future.”
“It is imperative that we raise awareness about diabetes, its symptoms and the complications caused by the disease,” said Dr. Igor Israel, Parker’s chief medical officer and Vice President of Medicine. “We urge everyone to get screened for diabetes, and if necessary, learn how to manage the disease.”
