This is the Religion Corner, which leads me to the main point of this week’s column: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — Hosea 4:6. In this column you have witnessed this very important message many times during National Diabetes Month over the past 20 years. Sharing how my family’s struggle with Type 2 diabetes was a life-changing experience, lessons which will help you and your loved ones make healthier choices and avoid the suffering so many people are still experiencing. For the most part, this devastation usually happens because of “their lack of knowledge.”
As we come to a close in this month’s series, I want to share a powerful moment I heard during a C-SPAN interview with Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Those who have not heard this interview will benefit. I’m asking everyone to please share this information with members of your family, church, workplace and community. Don’t let folks continue to perish because of a lack of knowledge! Here is a short bio on Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, an African American genius of a doctor, in my opinion.
Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, the director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. His research has focused on genetic diseases, clinical evaluation of disease severity, and the development of novel gene therapy strategies. Dr. Rodgers has been instrumental in advancing the treatment of sickle cell anemia, a blood disorder, with the development of hydroxyurea, the first effective and FDA-approved therapy for this condition. His work has not only improved the lives of patients with sickle cell anemia but has also paved the way for future research and treatment options for Type 2 diabetes and other related conditions.
Dr. Rodgers was on C-SPAN, but as a high-speed typist of 100 words per minute for the past 50 years, I transcribed this interview below for you, the readers of The Washington Informer. Here is a rough transcription of what he said:
A caller asked an important question of Dr. Rodgers. She said her mother had diabetes, and her older brother and sister both take insulin. They have lived with complications from this disease for many years. But she, who is 10 years younger, has never developed diabetes. She asked Dr. Rodgers, “If we have the same genes, why didn’t I get diabetes too?”
Dr. Rodgers gave a clear and helpful answer. He explained that genetics do play a major role in whether or not someone develops diabetes. But even siblings do not inherit genes the same way. We receive half our genes from one parent and half from the other. Sometimes, one child receives the gene that increases diabetes risk and another child does not. That alone can make a major difference.
However, Dr. Rodgers also said that our environment — our habits, our food, our activity level — plays an equally important role. He shared that research from the NIH, including studies from their Phoenix branch, shows that our environment begins even before birth. If a mother has diabetes during pregnancy, even mild gestational diabetes, the child is more likely to develop diabetes later in life. This risk is higher compared to a child born when that same mother does not have diabetes.
In other words, diabetes risk is not based on one thing. It comes from a combination of genes, environment, family history, and lifestyle. But even with a strong family history, there are things we can control.
Dr. Rodgers ended his answer with simple but powerful advice:
— Get checked regularly for Type 2 diabetes.
— Eat properly and learn what foods your body can handle.
— Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
The Holy Spirit moved me to share this message with you, because so many people in our communities are suffering needlessly. Millions of Americans have Type 2 diabetes right now, and millions more do not know they have it. Many of us are living with high blood sugar and don’t realize the danger. Early detection saves lives. Knowledge saves lives.
Though I have said the same thing hundreds of times, this time, I’m hoping that you will receive this proven advice from Dr. Griffin Rodgers, a nationally known medical doctor with a proven track record.
In my own family, Type 2 diabetes was present, but people didn’t talk about it. They didn’t understand the importance of sharing this information with the next generation. If they had known, perhaps some suffering could have been avoided. That is why I speak boldly now — so you can take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Let me say this plainly: If diabetes runs in your family, you are at higher risk. But being at risk does not mean you are powerless.
By following Dr. Rodgers’ simple three steps — checking your health regularly, eating wisely, and exercising — you can lower your risk and live a healthier, longer life. These are small steps that can prevent years of pain, medical problems, and regret.
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Caring for it is not only wise — it is part of your responsibility to yourself, your family, and God.
Let us use knowledge, faith, and action to fight this disease together.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
