Health leaders unite in Buffalo, raise awareness on World Diabetes Day

BUFFALO, N.Y. — It’s World Diabetes Day and on Friday, health care leaders gathered in Buffalo for The American Diabetes Association’s annual regional conference. 

They talked about the issues the nearly 1.8 million adults in New York State with diabetes are dealing with. Also, 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year, and it’s the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. Chances are, you know someone who is impacted by this disease.

Seneca One Tower was abuzz Friday morning with people focused on fighting diabetes.

“And really creating healthier lives,” said Denise Nicastro, Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association for Upstate New York.

Denise Nicastro says this conference really allows people to talk about the latest in diabetes research and treatments.

Friday’s main topic? Obesity and diabetes.

“Diffusing that stigma of being obese, you know, it’s something that needs to be addressed and cared for, and not letting those people feel alone. That they have a place to turn, that we are there for them, that will help manage control and create a better lifestyle for you,” Nicastro said.

Dr. Leonard Egede with UBMD and the Jacobs School also talked with 2 On Your Side.

“And right now, several people do not know that they have diabetes, so the more we get the word out, the more people are likely to actually understand and be likely to seek treatment,” said Dr. Leonard Egede, UBMD Internal Medicine, President and CEO.

Dr. Egede discussed some of the symptoms you might have if you have Type 2 Diabetes.

“So the common things that happen is for a lot of people, you feel thirstier more, so you feel like drinking more water, you tend to urinate more, you’re always hungry, and for some people, they lose weight. And that’s just the early signals. For women, you have more yeast infections. And for some of those, you have foot infections, and so those are all signals that you may have diabetes,” Dr. Egede said.

Dr. Egede says there are three things you need to do if you’re at-risk. Get screened, see your doctor if you are diagnosed, and take your medications.

“We have so many medications. The problem is only 50-percent of people take their medications as prescribed,” Dr. Egede said.

The American Diabetes Association has a Type 2 risk test online. It just takes a minute to complete. If you’re at risk, it will tell you to call your doctor.