100,000 people die from diabetes in the U.S. every year, but progress has been made

by Warren Murphy, Managing Editor

November 21, 2024

Graphic created by Warren Murphy, Times Managing Editor

Growing up, one of my close friends, Dakota, was diabetic and used to ask me to accompany him to the nurse’s office to check his blood sugar before lunch (this was in case he fainted on the way, but thankfully he never did). Whenever it was time to check his blood sugar, Dakota would turn to me and say, “Hey, wanna come watch me stab myself?” While Dakota was being dramatic, and making light of the situation, the matter of fact is that many diabetics are pricking their fingers every day to monitor their blood sugar levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 people die from diabetes in the United States each year.

While this is a tragedy, it’s not all doom and gloom. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and while I know a multitude of people who suffer from this disease (as I’m sure we all do), the MATC Times would like to take a moment to focus on the positive, to recognize some of the recent successes of the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) advocacy efforts, as well as highlight a couple ways you can get involved.

Over at diabetes.org, the ADA proudly highlights some game-changing victories: 25 states have capped insulin copays, over 4 million seniors now have access to glucose monitoring devices, and 34 states are ensuring students with diabetes are treated safely and fairly at school. These victories didn’t just happen by chance, they’re partially the result of continued advocacy from the ADA. The ADA has been a leader in diabetes research, hosted countless “innovation challenges” to encourage new approaches to care, and continues to serve as a hub for those looking to create positive change in the diabetic community.

Feeling inspired? Good, because diabetes.org has plenty of ways for you to get involved and make an impact. Whether it’s accessing a support toolkit, submitting your art for Diabetes Care (their peer-reviewed journal), or finding support events near you, there’s something for everyone. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, here it is: get involved, make a difference, and be a part of the positive change your community needs! Go to this link for more information.

About the Contributor

Warren Murphy, Managing Editor

My name is Warren Murphy and I am Managing Editor of the MATC Times. I joined the staff last year, and after consistently contributing as a writer, I was named Features Editor. This year, with our new Editor-in-Chief, Zanaia Joshua, selecting me as Managing Editor, I plan to help curate a student paper that serves as a true mouthpiece for the voice of our students. I am in the Liberal Arts Transfer program and I plan on transferring to UW-Madison to complete my bachelors after this upcoming fall semester. For fun, I love to play basketball and go to stand-up comedy shows with my friends and family. I originally joined the Times because I was having a hard time finding a space for myself on campus. If you're struggling to find your place like I was, I strongly encourage you to reach out and see how you can get involved. MATC Times believes wholeheartedly in the power of collaboration and inclusivity, as baked into our foundation by our previous Editor-in-Chief Christopher D'Allen, and as student leaders, Zanaia and I are working constantly to ensure we provide a space that welcomes ALL students.