(Message in Diabetes)

#: 761732 S2/News and Newcomers  (CIS:DIABETES) 16-Oct-97  19:51:07 Sb: DM
	deaths up, again. Fm: SYSOP-Paula DuBourdieu 73021,567 To: all Replies: 1
	TID: 108070    Par: 0         Chd: 761734    Sib: 0

      Preliminary figures released this month by the Centers for Disease
	  Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that the death rate for most leading
	  causes of death have declined between 1995 and 1996 and that the overall
	  life-expectancy for Americans has reached an all-time high of 76.1
	  years.

     According to the CDC, between 1995-1996,  mortality rates for HIV dropped
	 26%, homicide dropped 10%, and death rates from cancer, heart disease and
	 stroke declined also.  Deaths from heart disease declined by 3% and
	 deaths from cancer declined by 1%.  Together, heart disease and cancer
	 account for over 1/2 of all deaths in the U.S.

    Howvever, for the 10th consecutive year, death rates from diabetes
	continued to rise.  "Diabetes-associated mortality increased by 2%" from
	1995-1996, according to the CDC.

     We are not making progress in reducing deaths from diabetes and it is not
	 just vocal advocates here pointing this out.  The truth is that the
	 death-rate from diabetes is well-known to be under-reported, even
	 according to the CDC and other authorities, and is likely much higher
	 than we know.  Many death certificates list the deaths of diabetics as
	 due to heart attack, stroke, pneumonia or infection.

      If you know someone who is taking their diabetes lightly and not getting
	  enough good information and care, please try one more time to help.

      If you have a moment, please print up a copy of one of the press
	  releases here about the Gray Ribbon, fill in your name,  and send it to
	  your local paper, your congressman, your doctor, your hospital, your
	  neighbor --anyone.  (One is here on the board as message # 760708)

      If you don't have a Gray Ribbon and can't/don't want to make one, please
	  think about the note Judy Reddick posted here (message # 760347) about
	  buying some metal Gray Ribbon lapel pins.  Or post a note saying you'd
	  like one, and someone here will be sure to contact you, get your address
	  privately and send you a small fabric ribbon (free).

     				     Paula