A Diabetes Literacy Board, consisting of experts in cardiology, endocrinology, diabetes education and health literacy, has been launched with funding from pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline.

The board intends to raise public awareness and understanding of type 2 diabetes by developing educational materials for patients and families. The materials will address symptoms, risk factors and long-term complications of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.

In type 2 diabetes, the body loses its ability to properly use the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Although most common among older adults, the increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight among younger Americans has caused type 2 diabetes to increase among this group.

It is estimated that 17 million Americans have diabetes, however according to a 2001 survey of over 500 adults with type 2 diabetes, half of the participants didn't understand the disease or its potentially serious long-term complications, which include heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.

A past study has also found a link between low health literacy and poor blood-sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Health literacy is often defined as the degree to which individuals obtain, process and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions. Understanding the fundamentals of type 2 diabetes management may help improve health outcomes.

One expert noted that diabetes management can be complicated since it involves meal planning, physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, and often medication. In order to manage the condition effectively, health literacy is essential.

Aside from being the fifth leading cause of death from disease, diabetes is also one of the most costly health problems in America. In 2002, diabetes costs were estimated at $132 billion.

Glaxo Smith Kline May 12, 2003

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Is Diabetes an epidemic in this country? Of course it is. Do we need a massive campaign to increase awareness of what the problem is and how to treat it? Of course we do. Do we want a drug company to head this effort? Only if you want a drug solution. Do you think for a microsecond that a drug company is going to provide a public service without some back end benefit? If you do I strongly suggest you review my free 25-page EFT report so you can clear up some of your bioelectrical imbalanced delusions. The last thing we need is a drug company teaching us about diabetes. Fortunately, diabetes is one of the most straightforward and easiest problems to treat clinically. The vast majority of individuals respond favorably to grain/sugar restriction and using exercise as a drug. However, the reason I posted this article is to give you a heads up and warning that what may appear good and beneficial may not be. This is just one more way the drug companies can sink their marketing tools into the public while increase public demand and attention for their products, which in no way, shape or form treat the cause of the disease. Related Articles: Want to Stop Diabetes? Start Exercising Obesity and Diabetes in US Continues to Climb Decrease Your Sleep and Increase Your Risk for Diabetes Diabetes At Least 90% Preventable Diabetes Epidemic--70 percent Increase Among People Ages 30 to 39