November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Help a Diabetic Child Foundation (HADC) partnering with the National Wellness Institute and Core Health Partners bring you the 4th Annual von Arx Family Foundation SWFL Diabetes & Wellness Conference.

The Cost of Diabetes in the United States:
The American Diabetes Association released new research on March 22, 2018, estimating the total costs of diagnosed diabetes had risen to $327 billion in 2017 from $245 billion in 2012 when the cost was last examined. The total cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2017 is $327 billion, including $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion in reduced productivity.

The Largest Components of Medical Expenditures are:
• Hospital inpatient care (30% of the total medical cost)
• Prescription medications to treat complications of diabetes (30%)
• Anti-diabetic agents and diabetes supplies (15%)
• Physician office visits (13%)

People with diagnosed diabetes incur average medical expenditures of $16,752 per year, of which about $9,601 is attributed to diabetes. People with diagnosed diabetes, on average, have medical expenses of approximately 2.3 times higher than what expenditures would be in the absence of diabetes.

Diabetes is growing at an epidemic rate in the United States, According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 30 million Americans have diabetes and face its devastating consequences.

Diabetes Patients at Risk From Rising Insulin Prices:
A Yale Study found that one in four patients admitted to cutting back on insulin use because of cost. The consequences can be deadly. A surprisingly large number of people with diabetes are using less insulin than prescribed because of the rising cost of the drug, putting themselves in danger of serious complications.

Between 2002 and 2013, the price of insulin jumped, with the typical cost for patients increasing from $40.00 a vial to $130.00. The amount of insulin in 2018 is approximately $300.00 a vial.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes:
• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.

The 2018 Southwest Florida Diabetes Conference is co-chaired by Dolph and Sharon von Arx, who have been philanthropic and service pillars of the Naples area for over 30 years. The full-day conference offers lecture-style talks, hands on demonstrations, break out sessions on nutrition, eye health, food is medicine, heart health, vendors and products, and other topics to help people of all ages who are dealing with diabetes.

What to Expect When You Attend:
• A full day of learning opportunities, talks and breakout sessions, both T1 and T2 focused
• Meeting with other diabetes patients, caregivers and medical professionals.
• Separate tracks for Diabetes, Wellness and Medical CME Credits
• Vendors and sponsors with product and technology information
• Diabetic-friendly lunch options for purchase
• Interaction with several local and national organizations that support and educate about diabetes

von Arx Family Foundation
Southwest Florida
Diabetes and Wellness Conference
(The Largest Comprehensive Diabetes Conference)

Sunday November 4th 2018
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Florida Southwestern State College,
Collier Campus
7505 Grand Lely Dr.
Naples Fl, 34113

For additional information or reservations, visit www.SWFLDiabetes.com.

This event is open to the general public for anyone of all ages that is dealing with type 1, type 2 and prediabetes, or caring for a loved one with the disease.