EYE on PREVENTION

Diabetes and closely related disorders such as elevated cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity, are among the silent killers that need to be diagnosed and dealt with specifically in the Jewish community. Early diagnosis and the identification of high risk factors for these conditions are recommended in order to prevent the full-fledged development of the disease.  Once diagnosed and the high risk factors recognized, proper education is necessary to enable appropriate prevention, management and/or treatment. 

The JDA has been at the forefront of support and education for more than two decades and is the only health organization devoted to diabetes and health related education, recognized by government agencies in both the secular and Jewish world.  The successes of JDA projects have become renowned both in the US and internationally. This led to the National Institute of Health inviting the JDA to meetings in Washington, DC

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has issued numerous statements attesting to the fact that these health problems are highest among Native Americans, African Americans, Latino Americans, and Asian Americans.  Because JDA has promoted the need for education and support in Jewish communities since it was founded more than thirty years ago, it is no surprise that we also see an overwhelming rise in the number of Jewish Americans facing diabetes and other health related issues. Working intensively in Israel and Europe for the past years has lent the organization additional expertise and resources for dealing with the specific needs of various Jewish communities.

 By also following statistics reported in Israel, we now see clear evidence of the high rate of diabetes within Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora.

 There is also a much larger following of those believing that prevention is doable if the high risk factors are recognized and dealt with early enough.

© Copyright Jewish Diabetes Association.  Last updated December 2019