L.A. RESIDENTS FACING DIABETES EPIDEMIC FITNESS REGIME OF EXERCISE, DIET CAN BE KEY IN TREATMENT OF DISEASE.

Byline: Alex Padilla Local View

THERE is a public health crisis today that affects 18 million Americans - but more than a third of them are completely unaware that they have a disease that, left untreated, can lead to circulation problems, heart disease and stroke. Diabetes is the name of that crisis, but it is one that is treatable and preventable.

A recent study conducted by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy found that Los Angeles County residents are facing a diabetes epidemic as well, with more than 1 million people estimated to have the disease. But it's not just about numbers, it's about the faces behind them. My mother was recently diagnosed with diabetes, making this public health issue especially clear to my family and me.

Diabetes, a disease that affects the body's ability to turn food into energy, resulting in excess glucose sugar in the blood, can lead to complications of the eyes, heart, kidneys and nervous system.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, has many risk factors, including genetics, excess weight and lack of exercise. Known also as ``adult onset diabetes,'' Type 2 diabetes is now becoming more prevalent in young people who are overweight, largely due to excess consumption of sodas that are high in sugar content and fast food that has little nutritional value.

The increased rates of diabetes also have public policy implications by directly affecting our health care system. The direct cost of diabetes treatment is more than twice the direct cost of cancer and HIV/AIDS combined. An average hospital stay for a diabetes-related complication lasts for nine days at a cost of approximately $600 per day for a total of $5,400.

Considering the ominous threat of ballooning rates of diabetes among adults and children alike, what can we do?

In response to this crisis, I have become directly involved with the Los Angeles chapter of the American Diabetes Association by assisting with fund raising and by helping to educate the public about diabetes. This year, I have agreed to be the guest of honor at the ADA's annual Political Roast at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Since 1998, the ADA's annual Political Roast has raised more than $1 million and has been a highlight of the year for many in the political and business communities here in Los Angeles. As this year's ``roastee,'' I know that while I will be on the receiving end of some good-natured ribbing, I will be helping the ADA continue to provide critical information on diabetes to the public.

Our goal this year is to raise a record-breaking $500,000 for diabetes research, education and awareness. By ensuring that the ADA can further its outreach and prevention programs, I know that I am doing my part to help the 18 million Americans who, like my mother, are living with diabetes.

I encourage my fellow Angelenos to join the fight against diabetes by sticking to a fitness regimen consisting of cardiovascular exercise, while also minding our diets. By eating fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing intake of whole grains and decreasing the amount of saturated fat and hydrogenated oils in our diets so prevalent in junk food these days, each of us can minimize our risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Each and every one of you can prevent diabetes by developing these types of healthy habits - and encouraging friends and family to do the same. Making positive changes not only prevents the onset of diabetes, but ultimately leads to a longer and more productive life. Even a program of moderate exercise can reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 25 percent.

Diabetes isn't going away anytime soon. But by becoming aware of risk factors and turning one's lifestyle in a healthier direction, you can control and even prevent the onset of diabetes in your lifetime.