The diabetes awareness seminar highlights drug shortages and health complications

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Diabetes is a nationwide epidemic – the CDC reports it affects over 37 million Americans – and what's true nationwide is true in Louisiana.

According to High Rise Financial, the Bayou State ranks fourth in the nation with the highest increase in diabetes, but as more Louisiana residents are diagnosed, there is hope, according to a local pharmacist.

“People become very nervous and scared when they hear they are being diagnosed. They are very manageable diseases, both through lifestyle management and their medications,” said John David Martin, a pharmacist at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

Problems like the lack of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have made treating the disease a little more difficult.

“As the drugs have become a very hot drug and kind of a new commodity, there have been some problems getting them,” Martin said.

For diabetics who need GLP-1 medication, Martin recommends looking at local pharmacies that have different supply chains than large pharmacies.

Cost is another important factor. According to the American Diabetes Association, medical expenses for diabetics in Louisiana are up to 2.3 times higher than those of diabetics.

“A very good thing to look for is producing vouchers, especially for the very expensive drugs, your GLP-1 drugs, Semaglutide, Ozempic, Mounjaro,” Martin said.

The ophthalmologist Dr. Margaret Carter discussed the importance of eye exams. According to the National Eye Center, diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults ages 20 to 74.

“Blood flow and blood vessels are affected by chronic diabetes. It damages the walls of the blood vessels and liquid blood and lipids can leak from the blood vessels into the tissues of the eye,” Carter said.

Carter also said that the longer they wait to have their eyes examined, the greater their risk of possible vision problems.

Both Martin and Carter said that with any illness, but especially diabetes, encouraging words and patience are always helpful for those struggling to adjust to their new lifestyle.

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