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The Bella Hearst Diabetes Institute provides educational and other resources to dtudents dealing with diabetes while at school.

Students coping with diabetes

By: Erin Rickert

Posted: 9/6/06

Currently, 20.8 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes. It is a disease that affects everyone in one way or another.

Diabetes has already impacted the Western Illinois University campus with the death of one student during the first week of classes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are an estimated 14.6 million people that have been diagnosed with the disease. There are still 6.2 million others that do not even know they have diabetes.

The ADA website defines diabetes as "a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin."

Insulin is a hormone our body uses and needs to convert sugars, starches and other foods into energy. Insulin is necessary for our bodies to function every day. The cause of diabetes is still unknown; however, obesity and a lack of exercise are key factors in what causes the disease.

The Beu Health Center and the Bella Hearst Diabetes Institute are on-campus sites that educate students with the disease and also help them if needed.

Sujata Karkare, who has been one of the staff physicians at Beu for the past six years, said that they deal with a lot of diabetes patients.

"Mostly we deal with diabetes patients on campus, but I am also a medical advisor at the diabetic center at McDonough County Hospital."

Karkare said people who are overweight are often the ones in danger.

"There is a direct link between obesity and diabetes," Karkare said.

Symptoms of diabetes can include increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and constantly feeling extremely tired.

Diabetes can affect all the organs in the body. Karkare said that it is a multi-system organ destroyer.

"Diabetes can affect the heart, eyes, kidneys, blood circulation, nerves, there can be kidney failure as well," Karkare said.

Diabetes can be deadly; however, if the disease is treated properly individuals can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

"If sugar intake and blood pressure are both controlled, everything is fine. However, if a person does not watch their weight and take care of themselves, then they can be in danger," Karkare said.

Along with Beu, the Bella Hearst Diabetes Institute offers support for students dealing with diabetes.

Bella Hearst is located on campus in Knoblauch Hall. The clinic was established in 2003 through a grant from Bella Hearst, a longtime Macomb resident. She advocated doing research on the prevention and control of diabetes.

BHDI offers special services for Western students who meet nine knowledge requirements including medical tuition therapy and 16 skill competency requirements including interpreting basic statistics.

These services include hemoglobin A1C screenings, lipid panel screenings, body fat analysis, medical nutrition therapy, diabetes management supplies and educational sessions. These services are free of charge for students who meet the criteria.

The Bella Hearst Diabetes Institute gives students with diabetes the opportunity to participate in a research project on campus. Each student that participates in the research will be able to take advantage of services the Institute provides.

It is important that diabetes be treated. If not taken care of properly, the disease can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, amputation and even stroke.

For more information on The Bella Hearst Diabetes Institute call 309/298-2687.