“Find That Cure” Senator Murkowski (R) and Dr. Rodgers Discuss Diabetes in Alaskan Communities
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 Published On Apr 29, 2024

In this video, Senator Murkowski addresses a gathering, expressing gratitude towards young advocates, their supporters, caregivers, parents, and friends for their continued advocacy in diabetes awareness. Highlighting personal stories shared by young Alaskans, Senator Murkowski emphasizes the courage it takes for them to travel to Washington D.C. to share their experiences with diabetes. These stories are not just about their struggles with the condition but also about their bravery and determination to seek change and understanding.

Senator Murkowski's speech transitions into a discussion on the environmental and dietary challenges contributing to the risk and prevalence of diabetes, particularly in rural areas like Alaska. She notes the significant rates of diabetes within the state, with Alaskan Natives facing even higher rates. The Senator paints a vivid picture of the dietary limitations in remote Alaskan communities, characterized by a lack of fresh produce and a reliance on processed foods, which exacerbates health issues. This situation, she argues, underlines the importance of addressing food accessibility and the transition from subsistence to commercial diets in combating diabetes.

The dialogue then shifts towards a Q&A with Dr. Rodgers, focusing on the environmental factors contributing to diabetes, particularly type 1. Dr. Rodgers acknowledges these concerns, pointing out that the TEDDY study aims to illuminate the origins of type 1 diabetes while also considering the impact of dietary habits on type 2 diabetes. He mentions the initiative of time-sensitive studies aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of policy changes on health outcomes, such as the introduction of new food delivery systems or efforts to reduce obesity and improve food availability.

The video concludes with Senator Murkowski and Dr. Rodgers discussing the broader implications of diabetes management, including the need for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and the impact of diabetes on healthcare costs. Senator Murkowski calls for more than just discussion, urging for actionable changes to ensure access to necessary treatments and ultimately, to find a cure for diabetes. This call to action is supported by a collective push for policy changes aimed at reducing the costs of insulin and improving healthcare outcomes for individuals with diabetes.

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