Education Can Ease Diabetes’ Threat

As an Hispanic who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, I read your article (“Minority Groups at Risk of Diabetes,” July 21) with interest.

I am currently enrolled in a research study at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, that is investigating the effects of the drug glipizide on the blood-glucose levels in minorities.

Through education received here, I have learned that with proper diet, medication, exercise, constant personal monitoring of my blood-sugar levels, and most of all, attitude adjustment, I will live a productive life.

The current administration of the state of California has suggested that health care to the poor or indigent be cut drastically in order to balance the budget.

It seems to me that proper education for both the public and the medical professions about diabetes could only help relieve the drain (if only a little) on the already overburdened taxpayers by increasing awareness of this disease. With this awareness, preventive actions due to early diagnosis will prevent the catastrophic results that are so costly in both lives and limited resources.

ROBERT E. ENRIQUEZ

Carson