Friday, February 02, 2007

Talking about chronic illness

This evening I read Vivian's post that points to a video about people with chronic illness. As someone with two chronic illnesses, diabetes and asthma, I really struck a chord with me.

For the last few weeks I've been thinking about diabetes and those of us who live with this disease. A lot of recent posts in the OC-blogosphere has expressed the frustration that we all feel. That frustration seems to come from several sources

Insurance coverage struggles for diabetes (a chronic disease)
Difficulties of managing diabetes
Problems with our healthcare providers

I think a lot of the problems come down to the fact that our US health care system is more concerned with providing treatment for episodic health issues. It's hard to get adequate coverage for an insulin pump ($5,000) and all of the needed supplies($2,500 or so per year), but not for a foot ulcer ($27,987 for the 2 years after diagnosis) or dialysis treatment ($70,000 per year). The same is true for many health crises that can come because of the challenges of diabetes.

How can a place like the Joslin Clinic only get back about 70 cents for every dollar it spends in patient care? With a diabetes crisis in New York, why are there so few treatment centers available in that city?

According to the video that Vivian pointed to, 75% of people over 65 will deal with at least one chronic illness. So why does it seem as if the various institutions involved (health insurance carriers, healthcare providers, etc.) don't seem to take this seriously?

What I'd like to understand is where to start influencing people to make a change. Should we (d-bloggers) be trying to speak to classes at Harvard Medical School? Should I be having regular conversations with my state and federal law-makers? How do we get the ball rolling?

Vivian, thanks for pointing out that video. I feel inspired by it to contact professors at Harvard and see whether I can't talk with a class about some of the struggles that diabetes represents.

What else might you do to turn this situation around?

Labels: awareness, chronic, diabetes

4 Comments:

At February 02, 2007 10:00 PM , mel said...: Bernard,

I saw your post on George's blog about Otter River!! I LOVE that place. We try and go once a summer and used to go there with our church--it's nostalgic. Never stayed in one of the Yurts before, but man, what fun. It's cool to "know" people from the internet who enjoy the same places you do!
At February 03, 2007 1:36 AM , Tammy said...: Do what the folks with FMS have done, only do it responsibly! Support groups allow for connecting with other sufferers, let that evolve into an organization and raise your own money for awareness campaigns. You know, the squeaky wheel theory!
At February 03, 2007 8:34 AM , Shannon said...: I actually came to comment on Otter River too. The Yurts look really cool and it seems an ideal place for the family and I considering we don't have a tent. I've bookmarked the website you provided.
At February 03, 2007 12:31 PM , Shannon said...: Thanks for adding me, Bernard :)

Have a cozy warm weekend....(can only be had indoors :()

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Diabetes: technology, devices, software, and other stuff.

: Name: Bernard Farrell; Location: Massachusetts, United States

I was born in Ireland and now live in the US. I have had Type 1 diabetes for over 35 years. I struggle with my blood sugar, the same as most people with diabetes. I currently wear a Minimed 512 insulin pump and will shortly switch to a Cozmo 1800 pump. I also wear a Dexcom CGM to track my blood glucose levels. I also take Symlin to help control my post-meal blood sugars. I'm blessed by God, and every day brings the possibility of a cure.

View my complete profile