Improving America's Health

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 16 Jun 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Acting Surgeon General Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH, has been a force in improving America's health, but recently he has been faced with his own health challenge of managing his diabetes. In the July issue of the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Forecast magazine, Moritsugu speaks openly about his personal challenges in managing his diabetes and the importance of preventing and managing the disease.

In 2000, Moritsugu was diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA), a less common type of diabetes that typically occurs in people 35 or older. Since his diagnosis, Moritsugu has had to stay on top of his health from both a personal and professional perspective. "I'm acting surgeon general and I should know everything there is to know about health and how to take care of myself," said Moritsugu.

With his demanding schedule and public speaking engagements, Moritsugu has had to take precautions in keeping his diabetes on track. In addition to carrying chewable candy and glucose tablets, he makes sure that there is a bottle of orange juice near him at all times. Moritsugu has said that having diabetes gives him a "first-hand appreciation for the efforts that everyone with diabetes faces every day."

In July 2006, Moritsugu became the acting surgeon general after Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, completed his term as the 17th surgeon general. Overseeing the operations of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Moritsugu says having diabetes is an excellent springboard for talking about larger issues such as preventing diseases, improving health literacy and eliminating health disparities in minority communities. "Our role as health professionals is to provide the best scientific evidence and information, so that those of us, as patients, can make good health choices," said Moritsugu.

Since Diabetes Forecast went to press, President Bush has nominated James W. Holsinger, Jr., MD, PhD, to serve as the next surgeon general. Holsinger must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Moritsugu will continue as acting surgeon general until that time.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association provides services to hundreds of communities across the country.

American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org