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American Diabetes Association

Our Mission

Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for those affected by diabetes. We fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes, deliver services to communities, provide objective and credible information, and give voice to those denied rights because of diabetes.

Activity

  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How should I prepare for an emergency if I have diabetes?
    Everyone is now advised to have a plan in place in the case of an emergency, and people with diabetes must consider proper diabetes care when they make emergency plans.

    Consider storing three days worth of diabetes supplies, which, depending on how you take care of your diabetes, could include oral...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How should I prepare for a long trip if I have diabetes?
    Before a long trip, have a medical exam to make sure your diabetes is in good control. Schedule the exam with enough time to work on your control before you depart. Get immunization shots -- if you need them -- at least one month before you leave. If the shots make you sick, you'll have time to recover...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How should I manage my diabetes during an overseas trip?
    After a long flight, take it easy for a few days if you have diabetes. Check your blood glucose often. If you take insulin, plan your activities so you can work in your insulin and meals.

    If you are more active than usual, your blood glucose could go too low. Take along snacks when hiking or sight...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What is the Edmonton Protocol for type 1 diabetes?
    Scientists at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, have used a new procedure called the Edmonton Protocol to treat patients with type 1 diabetes.

    In this procedure, researchers use specialized enzymes to remove islets from the pancreas of a deceased donor. For an average-size person (70...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How is the Edmonton Protocol performed?
    In an Edmonton Protocol procedure for type 1 diabetes, researchers use specialized enzymes to remove islets from the pancreas of a deceased donor. For an average-size person (70 kg), a typical transplant requires about 1 million islets, equal to two donor organs. Because the islets are extremely...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How does peritoneal dialysis work?
    In peritoneal dialysis, the lining inside your abdomen (the peritoneum) becomes the filter. A soft plastic tube is put into the abdomen by a surgeon. When the body heals, cleansing fluid (dialysate) is put into the abdomen through this tube. Waste products in the bloodstream pass through the peritoneum...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are possible complications of hemodialysis?
    Hemodialysis is not perfect for everyone. During treatments, people can have high or low blood pressure, an upset stomach or muscle cramps. A special diet is needed to stay healthy. Other problems can develop over time, such as nerve problems, anemia, bone disease, poor nutrition, problems with i...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are the different types of peritoneal dialysis?
    The two main types of peritoneal dialysis are continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). People perform CAPD themselves by attaching a plastic bag filled with cleansing fluid to the tube in the abdomen and raising it to shoulder level. This...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How do I perform continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis?
    People perform continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) themselves by attaching a plastic bag filled with cleansing fluid to the tube in the abdomen and raising it to shoulder level. This causes the fluid to run into the abdomen. The bag is then unhooked or rolled up around the waist. In...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Which type of dialysis should I get if I have diabetes?
    Your doctor will help you decide whether hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is right for you. Diabetes control remains important no matter which type of dialysis is chosen.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Should I get a kidney transplant if I have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?
    People who have kidney failure will die without treatment. For those who choose dialysis, only about 33% are still alive 5 years later. So although kidney transplantation is a serious operation, it offers people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) their best chance for survival.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How is a donor kidney matched with a possible recipient?
    The body has a complex system for telling its own parts from foreign parts. To fool the body into accepting the donor kidney, doctors try to match the donor and recipient for a blood protein called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type. A good match is most important when using a kidney from a living...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How is a recipient for a deceased donor kidney chosen?
    Federal law says that kidneys should be given out in a fair and efficient way. In the current system, a national list contains the names and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types of people who need cadaver kidneys. When a kidney donor's kidneys become available, doctors check the list to see whose...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What health screening tests do people in their 20s and 30s need?
    Checkups for people in their 20s and 30s include the following procedures:
    • Body mass index (BMI) -- Calculated from height and weight. Maintaining a healthy weight for your height is essential for maintaining good health.
    • Blood glucose (sugar) -- Find out if you are at high risk for diabetes. If
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What health screening tests do people age 40 and older need?
    Checkups for people in their 40s and older include the following procedures:
    • Body mass index (BMI)
    • Blood glucose (sugar) -- Under 45, ask your doctor. Starting at age 45, have your fasting blood glucose checked every three years to determine your risk for diabetes.
    • Blood pressure -- Should be checked
    ...  Full Post