Lions cornerback Alex Carter (far left) met with U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan) in Washington last week about diabetes research funding.
Alex Carter wanted to be an advocate for years. It was one of the things he made clear when he entered the NFL three seasons ago. He just didnt know his first big venture into trying to help cure diabetes would come through an email.
Thats exactly what happened to the Detroit Lions cornerback a few weeks ago. The NFLPA reached out looking for players who might be interested to going to Washington to help advocate for the continued funding of diabetes research. Carter saw the email. He reached out to his family.
They told him, Youre ridiculous if you dont do it.
Thats how Carter ended up meeting with staffs for U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan) for about a half-hour each last week. In the meetings, Carter, Indianapolis Colts safety Stefan McClure and members of the American Diabetes Association shared their stories as part of the 2017 Call to Congress Advocacy Day. They explained why the federal government needed to continue funding for diabetes research. They also pushed to help lower the cost of insulin. Carter said there were 40 NFL players advocating for diabetes funding last week.
This has been a personal issue for Carter for years. His sister, Cameron, died of complications from Type 1 diabetes. at age 14. Another sister, Madison, also has Type 1 diabetes. She graduated from college early, Carter said, in part because she knew she would eventually need to afford the insulin that helps keep her alive on her own without their parents insurance. Other family members, Carter said, suffer from Type 2 diabetes.
Cameron died the morning of Feb. 21, 2012, of complications from Type 1 diabetes. Carters mother, Renee, found Cameron lying on the floor in her room. She screamed and Carter came running into the room, thinking they saw a spider. He saw his sister on the floor and thought she had passed out.
Carter hugged his dad. Saw him crying. Then he left to pick up his other sisters from school and didnt know how serious it was even as he went to the hospital.
Me and my sister walked up and they were like, She didnt make it," Carter told ESPN in 2015. I kind of broke down. Ran away. It was pretty tough, just out the door. I couldnt believe it. Started crying. Then I got myself back together and came in.
My parents were like, 'You have two young sisters still; youve got to be a man and youve got to show them you can keep them together still.'
Camerons death caused Carter to rethink his decision to go to Stanford -- but he eventually chose to go. Her death also put diabetes at the forefront of issues he began to learn and care about.
Thats the story Carter told last week in Washington.
They really just wanted all these NFL players to come in and pretty much share their personal testimony of how their families are affected by diabetes and why its so important to continue funding research, Carter said. Thats pretty much the gist of everything. We were just there as players advocating to the government, to Congress, that this means a lot.
So many lives are affected by it. Me personally, Ive already lost somebody in my family because of diabetes and we cant cut funds, pretty much.
The Center for Disease Control estimated last year that more than 29 million Americans have diabetes and 86 million have pre-diabetes, which adds to someones risk of turning into Type 2 diabetes. The CDC says diabetes was the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States in 2013 and more than 20 percent of health care spending is for people with diagnosed diabetes.
The difference between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes is with Type 1, people dont make any (or enough) insulin. In Type 2, peoples bodies either have too little insulin or are unable to use insulin properly. The CDC estimates that 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases in the United States are Type 2 diabetes.
The cost of insulin, which is used to regulate and treat diabetes, has increased from $231.48 per patient per year in 2002 to $736.09 in 2013, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last year. In the same study, the price of insulin per millimeter increased 197 percent.
This is part of what Carter is trying to fight to keep the costs of insulin down while making sure funding to help find a cure for the disease remains.
Its even more personal for Carter because while he does not present any symptoms of diabetes, he knows that because of his family history, he could in the future.
When I spoke to Congress and I spoke to people, I said I was honestly surprised that I dont have it personally, Carter said. Im surprised. But Im also preparing myself for life if that ever does happen, you know.
For now, hes doing what he can to get more involved. He believes there was headway made in both his conversations on Capitol Hill and those of his NFL peers who met with other members of Congress. Carter also spoke to members of the American Diabetes Association on Friday, telling his story.
Before last week, Carter had mostly participated in walks to help raise awareness and funds for diabetes research and awareness. Last week was a larger step for him to become more involved.
Im just seeing what doors open, Carter said. Getting more involved with the ADA, thats definitely a path Im going down. Whatever doors open in that direction, Ill do.
Speaking engagements, getting my voice out there, explaining my passion and my mission.
Original post:
After family tragedy, Lions' Alex Carter fights for diabetes research funding - ESPN (blog)
- Virginia to offer diabetes-prevention classes - Essentia Health - March 1st, 2024
- Type 2 Diabetes: Red Light Therapy May Help Lower Blood Sugar - Healthline - March 1st, 2024
- Ultra-processed foods linked to over 30 health issues, from diabetes to heart trouble to cancer, research finds - CBS News - March 1st, 2024
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Expanding the living kidney donor pool to those with Type 2 diabetes - Mayo Clinic - March 1st, 2024
- Sugar tax shows sweet results in cutting obesity and diabetes rates - News-Medical.Net - March 1st, 2024
- What's the Connection Between Diabetes and Oral Health? - Medscape - March 1st, 2024
- ATTD 2024: Previewing the Latest on AID Systems, CGMs, and Diabetes Medications - diaTribe Foundation - March 1st, 2024
- What I Wish I Had Known When I Was Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes - EatingWell - March 1st, 2024
- Ultraprocessed foods linked to heart disease, diabetes, mental disorders and early death, study finds - CNN - March 1st, 2024
- Type 2 diabetes: Red light therapy could help lower blood sugar levels - Medical News Today - March 1st, 2024
- Unraveling the Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Lower Back Pain: A New Frontier in Medical Research - Medriva - March 1st, 2024
- Scientists from 18 countries join forces to put end to 'pervasive, global problem' of diabetes stigma and discrimination - Medical Xpress - March 1st, 2024
- Bariatric surgery more effective than medical and lifestyle interventions for diabetes control and remission: Study - Medical Xpress - March 1st, 2024
- Unveiling Growth Prospects in the Type 2 Diabetes Industry: Major Drivers And Lucrative Segments As Per The ... - GlobeNewswire - March 1st, 2024
- Insulin-inhibitory receptor research offers hope for type 2 diabetes therapy - Medical Xpress - March 1st, 2024
- Over 4,800 persons with suspected symptoms of diabetes, hypertension identified during screening - The Hindu - March 1st, 2024
- Free cooking classes to be held in March to prevent Type 2 diabetes in Delco - The Delaware County Daily Times - March 1st, 2024
- Noblesville basketball's Aaron Fine hopes to inspire others with diabetes - IndyStar - March 1st, 2024
- One secret to preventing dementia, diabetes, and heart disease may lie in your oral health habits. Here's the dental ... - Fortune - March 1st, 2024
- Diabetes blood sugar reduction through new technology - The Jerusalem Post - March 1st, 2024
- More Funding to Reduce Costs, Improve Diabetes Care - Government of Nova Scotia - March 1st, 2024
- Many diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes may have a different form of the disease - NBC News - January 14th, 2024
- AI and the safe travel lane of diabetes care - Central Michigan University - January 14th, 2024
- Independent association of history of diabetic foot with all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Renal ... - Cardiovascular... - January 14th, 2024
- Food an Effective Medicine in Diabetes? - Medscape - January 14th, 2024
- New insight into the pathogenesis of human diabetes - VA News - Veterans Affairs (.gov) - January 14th, 2024
- Controversy surrounding diabetes drug, Ozempic, being used tor weight loss - LiveNOW from FOX - January 14th, 2024
- Why are drugs that help battle obesity and diabetes so hard to get? - The Seattle Times - January 14th, 2024
- Semaglutide linked to lower suicidal ideation risk than other obesity, diabetes drugs - Healio - January 14th, 2024
- 5 "Bad" Carbs You Should Be Eating When You Have Diabetes, According to a Dietitian - EatingWell - January 14th, 2024
- 5 Breakfast Mistakes to Avoid If You Have Diabetes - EatingWell - January 14th, 2024
- Why don't fruit bats get diabetes? New understanding of how they've adapted to a high-sugar diet could lead to ... - The Conversation - January 14th, 2024
- OU professor discovers possible link between breast cancer drugs and Type 2 diabetes - KOCO Oklahoma City - January 14th, 2024
- Regional Union Selects Dario's Cardiometabolic Solution for Diabetes, Hypertension, Weight Management and GLP-1 ... - PR Newswire - January 14th, 2024
- Loneliness Associated With Greater Burden of Care Among Caregivers of Children With Type 1 Diabetes - Drug Topics - January 14th, 2024
- Is Yogurt Good For Diabetes Or Not? A Review By Nutrition Professionals - MSN - January 14th, 2024
- Health Insurance Coverage and Costs for Type 1 Diabetes Screening - Beyond Type 1 - January 14th, 2024
- MCH to open free diabetes clinic thanks to $500,000 received from the City of Odessa - NewsWest9.com - January 14th, 2024
- Smart pens and insulin pump therapy for people with Type 2 diabetes - Omnia Health Insights - January 14th, 2024
- Tandem Diabetes Care's t:slim X2 Insulin Pump is the First Automated Insulin Delivery System to Integrate with ... - Yahoo Finance - January 14th, 2024
- Why fruit bats can eat tons of sugar without getting diabetes - Popular Science - January 14th, 2024
- Effect of Self-Care Activities and Behaviors on Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes at a Tertiary Care Hospital in ... - Cureus - January 14th, 2024
- This Is the Absolute Best Way To Stay Hydrated if You Have Diabetes - Northwest Georgia News - January 14th, 2024
- Artificial sweeteners dont aid weight loss, may increase diabetes, heart disease risk, says WHO - ThePrint - May 17th, 2023
- Diabetes: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types - April 23rd, 2023
- Medically supervised weight loss approach helps patients reduce risks of diabetes, heart disease and stroke - ABC4.com - April 23rd, 2023
- Dear Annie: Im worried about my sisters use of diabetes injections to drop a few pounds - OregonLive - February 6th, 2023
- Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Expected To Be Approved For Weight Loss Soon: What To Know And How It Compares To Similar Drugs - Forbes - February 6th, 2023
- Alcohol: Some People Have Higher Risk Of Heart Attack, Diabetes And Stroke More Than Binge Drinkers Signs Youre At Risk - Revyuh - February 6th, 2023
- Still Drinking Green Tea? Doctor Reveals A Healthier Drink With Proven Benefits For Diabetes, Aging, Oxidative Stress, And Cancer - Revyuh - January 4th, 2023
- How Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar and Fights Diabetes - Healthline - December 27th, 2022
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Causes and Treatments - Healthline - December 27th, 2022
- Diabetes: Are jaggery and honey healthier alternatives to sugar? Experts help you understand - Times of India - December 2nd, 2022
- Diabetes | Sutter Health - November 24th, 2022
- Effect of diet on type 2 diabetes mellitus: A review - PMC - November 24th, 2022
- Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes - PMC - November 24th, 2022
- First Drug to Delay Type 1 Diabetes Approved by FDA - Smithsonian Magazine - November 24th, 2022
- Learn how to prevent and manage diabetes - Lincoln Journal Star - October 29th, 2022
- Resilience may improve health among older adults with type 2 diabetes - Medical News Today - October 13th, 2022
- Years of Diabetes Could Speed Onset of Menopause | Health | derbyinformer.com - The Derby Informer - October 13th, 2022
- Insulin Use May Predict the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy - MD Magazine - October 13th, 2022
- The Most Crucial Eating Habit To Prevent Diabetes - Eat This, Not That - October 13th, 2022
- 2 Northeast Ohio teens born with type 1 diabetes deal with social anxieties of their condition at school - WKYC.com - October 13th, 2022
- University Hospitals nationally recognized for efforts to reduce uncontrolled blood pressure; address relationship between diabetes, heart disease,... - October 13th, 2022
- 5 Analysts Have This to Say About Tandem Diabetes Care - Tandem Diabetes Care (NASDAQ:TNDM) - Benzinga - October 13th, 2022
- Living with diabetes: Nutrition, exercise, routines, and more - Medical News Today - October 4th, 2022
- Cleveland Clinic - October 4th, 2022
- Researchers study long-term effectiveness of diabetes drugs - GW Hatchet - October 4th, 2022
- Once-weekly insulin icodec demonstrates superior reduction in HbA1c in combination with a dosing guide app versus once-daily basal insulin in people... - October 4th, 2022
- THE DIABETES LINK LAUNCHES TO HELP YOUNG ADULTS THRIVE WHILE LIVING WITH THE DISEASE - PR Newswire - October 4th, 2022
- Why people with diabetes have more UTIs and how to prevent infections - Medical News Today - October 4th, 2022
- Dealing With Type 1 Diabetes - Nick Jonas Behind New Men's Mental Health Initiative - Men's Health - October 4th, 2022
- Bionic pancreas improves type 1 diabetes management compared to standard insulin delivery methods - National Institutes of Health (.gov) - October 4th, 2022
- NOACs or Warfarin in Atrial Fibrillation With Diabetes - DocWire News - October 4th, 2022
- Why Type 1 Diabetes Is Tougher on Girls Than Boys - Healthline - October 4th, 2022
- Improve Diagnosis of Type of Heart Failure Common in Diabetes - Medscape - October 4th, 2022
- Insights on the Next Generation Diabetes Therapy and Drug Delivery Global Market to 2030 - Rising Incidences of Diabetes Globally and Increase in the... - October 4th, 2022
- Diabetes: TXNIP involved in increased secretion of glucagon from pancreatic alpha cells - University of Alabama at Birmingham - October 4th, 2022
- Peanut Butter and Diabetes: Can They Work Together? - Taste of Home - October 4th, 2022
- Prevalence of Microalbuminuria and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Type-II in Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia -... - October 4th, 2022