State observes Massachusetts Diabetes Day

WWLP TV

Updated: Nov 14, 2012 7:34 PM

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) — Governor Deval Patrick declared Wednesday, November 14th, Massachusetts Diabetes Day.

He says this national epidemic impacts hundreds of thousands of people right here in the Commonwealth.

According to a non-profit health group, more than 350,000 people in Massachusetts were diagnosed with diabetes in 2010.

The Institute for Alternative Futures says diabetes rates among adults are estimated to be about 7 to 10 percent in Hampden and Berkshire County.  

The health group says the medical cost of this national epidemic, including the loss in productivity, amounts to more than $5 billion dollars annually. Colin Garvin suffers from diabetes and hopes to raise awareness on prevention and treatment of the disease.

"It makes me feel mad that it’s still around and how it’s been around for so long and I just want people to know how everyone’s been affected by it and everyone’s touched by it," Garvin said.

Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood sugar resulting from a lack of insulin production.  

For some, diabetes is a genetic disease that can be managed through a healthy diet, exercise and appropriate medications.

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