ACEP warns against overindulgence

WASHINGTON — The American College of Emergency Physicians on Tuesday warned against overindulgence through the holidays in an effort to raise awareness around diabetes. 

 

"Diabetes causes patient complications that we see in emergency departments every day, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and a variety of other problems," stated Michael Gerardi, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians.  "With a good diet and exercise, most cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or reversed. If you know you have it and work closely with a doctor, you can control it."

 

More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the CDC, which is more than 9% of the U.S. population. More than eight million of those people are undiagnosed, which is 1-out-of-4 Americans. According to the CDC, 15% to 30% of people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.

 

"Decisions you make or choose not to make now will ultimately affect the rest of your life," Gerardi said. "Just by eating healthy and becoming more active, you can cut your risk of diabetes by half."

 

ACEP is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education.