Memphis Launches Citywide Type One Diabetes Screening Initiative
Memphis is buzzing with excitement as plans unfold for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling the growing concern of type one diabetes. This ongoing effort is being spearheaded by none other than Mayor Paul Young, along with dedicated members of the medical community. Their goal? To create awareness and improve the lives of those affected by this serious condition.
Understanding the Situation
The City of Memphis is located in what the CDC has termed the “diabetes belt,” an area where diabetes rates are significantly higher than the national average. With this in mind, Mayor Young has proclaimed November 8 as a citywide “Day of Screening” for type one diabetes. It’s an exciting opportunity for residents to take charge of their health and get screened!
What Can You Expect?
On November 8, screening kits will be available at various Methodist Le Bonheur hospitals. The best part? They will be free for patients who have insurance. It’s a fantastic initiative that aims to make health screenings accessible for everyone, especially given how vital early detection can be.
Mayor Young is working closely with his wife, Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, who is also the First Lady of Memphis and a nurse practitioner with expertise in treating type one diabetes. She expressed how crucial these screenings are: “Having screening like this allows us time to help educate and support those families at the time they learn they will be diagnosed with something that will be life-changing.”
Why Screening is So Important
So, what exactly is type one diabetes? It’s a chronic condition that develops when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, or in some cases, any insulin at all. This can have serious consequences if not caught early. According to Dr. Kathryn Sumpter, who is the division chief of pediatric endocrinology at Le Bonheur, early screening is vital: “Type One Diabetes screening allows us to catch people before all that happens, before damage is done to the body and allows us to catch it to where a person doesn’t have to be hospitalized.”
The screening process will include the use of at-home kits for easy blood collection. This innovative approach aims to help the initiative reach over a million residents in the area. Talk about ambitious!
Aiming for Change
The overarching hope is that by identifying individuals with type one diabetes early on, medical professionals can lead a charge not just in Memphis, but potentially across the country and the world. Dr. Kashif Latif, a member of the AM Diabetes and Endocrinology Centers, shared an inspiring vision: “If we screen and identify and then end up changing the course of this condition and disease, we would lead the charge not only in the country, but globally.”
It’s clear that this initiative aims to empower families and provide much needed information and support for those affected by type one diabetes. By focusing on prevention and education, Memphis is setting the stage for a healthier future.
Marks Your Calendars
If you or someone you know could benefit from this screening, don’t forget to mark your calendar for November 8! It’s an incredible chance to take a step towards better health and possibly change lives.
In a city that cares, Memphis is taking significant strides in tackling diabetes head-on, and the community can look forward to a brighter and healthier future. Let’s join together on this day and support our neighbors in taking control of their health!
