As November begins, local officials are raising awareness about diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, during a community meeting. The event featured discussions on the importance of understanding diabetes, its risk factors, and preventive measures.

Mayor Quincy Fisher, who has type 2 diabetes himself, emphasized the need for open conversations about the condition, encouraging residents to seek help in managing their health. He highlighted the partnership with AdventHealth, which has been instrumental in providing educational resources to the community.

Commissioner Harry also expressed gratitude towards AdventHealth for their commitment to diabetes education. The meeting included a presentation by Luis Fadillo, who outlined critical statistics: approximately 34 million Americans have diabetes, with a significant portion unaware of their condition. He noted that 34% of the population is estimated to have prediabetes, underscoring the urgency of awareness and prevention.

Fadillo explained the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, detailing that type 1 is an autoimmune disease affecting insulin production, while type 2 involves insulin resistance. He outlined various risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including family history, obesity, and lack of exercise, and stressed the importance of early diagnosis through lab tests.

The discussion also touched on the potential for new medications to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, offering hope for those at risk. Fadillo concluded by urging attendees to take proactive steps, such as completing a diabetes risk test available at the event, to better understand their health and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

The meeting served as a vital platform for education and community engagement, aiming to empower residents to take control of their health and well-being.