Stressing that support is paramount to coping with diabetes management, the Maryland-based National Institutes of Health recently urged individuals dealing with the diagnosis to seek out resources and encouragement during November — National Diabetes Month.
NIH’s Dr. Griffin Rodgers, who serves as director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), said that building a support network is an important factor in maintaining health.
Acknowledging that the lifelong disease affects millions of Americans, Rodgers stated that “it does not have to be a lifelong barrier to better health.”
Rodgers explained in an official statement that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be more easily managed by patients who work to control blood glucose levels, which can decrease the incidence of diabetes-related complications.
“NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases remains at the forefront of pivotal research to prevent, treat and, one day, cure all types of diabetes for everyone,” he said.
For example, the institute is currently conducting studies comparing four different medications for the disease.
Rodgers encouraged individuals with diabetes to reach out to loved ones for support and others with the disorder for guidance. He suggested setting goals and recognizing obstacles.
“For people with diabetes, managing the disease is a balancing act, and your needs can change over time,” Rodgers said. “Caring for your health is a matter of trying and learning what works best for you. Family, friends, health care professionals and communities all belong on your team.”
NIH and its 27 institutes and centers are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
