In the not-too-distant future, the bionic pancreas could be a medical norm and life-saving tool for patients with diabetes.
But research takes time and money. That’s why diabetes fundraising is critical, said Irena McClain, associate director of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.
McClain was the guest speaker for the Lunch & Learn program on Thursday at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.
In her introduction of McClain, SMRMC’s Ellen Brannan, a registered nurse, called diabetes “the scourge of the earth. But it can be managed.”
McClain spoke about what’s on the horizon for diabetes patients and the need to support patients — both young and old. Expectations for the artificial pancreas are high, and the continuous glucose monitor is a reality. The bionic pancreas may be available by 2020; it’s already being tested in Massachusetts.
“The future is bright for all people with diabetes,” McClain said.
McClain, a Vermont native, has been with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi for 20 years and she enjoys her work and challenge.
“I stay because I believe in Mississippi,” she said, noting that 373,000 residents have diabetes, with some 95 percent of those cases Type II.
McClain, who has her only family experience with diabetes, said medicines, supplies and information are wonderful, but patients won’t be in the best of health unless their diabetes is under control.
Managing the disease, however, is very difficult for most people. Diabetics must think about their disease and be aware of their blood sugar all day, every day. The need for testing and staying on a proper diet is constant.
“It’s easy to burn out with this disease. I call it diabetes overwhelmus,” she said.
But constant high blood sugar damages every organ in the body; so testing, following a dietary regimen and exercising is critical. Even moderate exercise can cut the risk of developing diabetes, McClain said.
Getting children comfortable with the disease, most of whom have Type I diabetes, is a challenge, but the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi works with them to make sure they live healthy, full, energetic lives.
One of the things the foundation offers is the twice-a-year Camp Kandu in May and November. It’s held at the Twin Lakes Conference Center in Flowood and is free for children with diabetes. Parents, siblings and friends also are welcome to take part.
“The camp has been going for 10 years, and it’s been unbelievable,” McClain said, noting that some of the kids who were campers have come back to be counselors.
“There’s so much to learn about diabetes, and it can be overwhelming,” she said. “The camp is good for parents to see kids who are successful.”
Another aid on the horizon is the four-footed kind — diabetes alert dogs, who are trained to let their human companions with diabetes know when their blood sugar is too high or too low.
The foundation has placed three dogs in the Hattiesburg area over the past year. Others are in the works for patients in Meridian and Tylertown, McClain said.
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All the services the foundation offers require funds. Every dollar raised in Mississippi, stays in Mississippi.
Local residents can do their part by participating in the 5K Walk/Run in downtown McComb on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 8:30. A 5K Family and Fun Walk is at 8:30 a.m., with registration at 7:30 a.m. Sponsors are SMRMC and Family Pharmacy of McComb. Pre-registration is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 18 and younger. On run day, cost is $25 for adults and $15 for kids.
This year’s event is themed “We Can Be Heroes,” and participants are invited to dress in costume as their favorite superhero to show that they have what it takes to fight diabetes.
Diabetes, Brannan said, “is a journey we all need to be a part of. If you’re not involved in your health care, you’re a victim of health care.”
For more information, call the foundation at 957-7878. To register online, visit www.msdiabetes.org.
