Veterans' Day & Diabetes

On this Veteran's Day, we pause to honor the service of our nation's veterans. It's also a day to shine a light on a health challenge that affects many of them: diabetes. This connection is not just a coincidence. The sacrifices our veterans made for our country often lead to health issues like diabetes. Whether you are a veteran yourself or know someone who is, if you're living with diabetes (or pre-diabetes), there's a powerful connection between the service our veterans gave and the care they need today.

Why Veterans Are at Higher Risk

Here's the reality: the prevalence of diabetes among U.S. veterans is significantly higher than in the general population.

• Nearly 1 in 4 veterans in the VA system lives with diabetes.

• Veterans aged 65 and older experience diabetes rates close to 27 %, compared to about 12 % in the general public.

• Contributing factors include higher obesity rates, aging, Agent Orange exposure for Vietnam-era veterans, and mobility or pain issues that make physical activity difficult.

Because diabetes brings with it serious risks, like kidney disease, vision loss, and heart complications, timely care and education are crucial.

What This Means for Anyone with Diabetes

Whether you're a veteran or not, there's a lot to learn from how the VA system approaches diabetes, and how we can all take small steps toward better care:

• Stay on top of self-care. Monitoring blood sugar, taking medications as prescribed, and maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity make a huge difference.

• Seek support. Many veterans benefit from group programs or peer support, something we can all use when diabetes feels isolating.

• Address barriers. Pain, mental-health struggles, or limited access to care can interfere with daily management. Naming those barriers helps make plans that work for real life.

• Use the tools available. Continuous glucose monitors, telehealth visits, and online education options make diabetes care more convenient than ever.

A Personal Note: How Veterans Shaped My Journey

Before becoming a dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, I spent years listening to stories from my grandfathers, who both served and had diabetes. Then in 2007, I spent weeks writing letters and sending care packages to my brother-in-law during his deployment to Iraq. I spent seven years working in pulmonary care research at the VA, from 2008 to 2013. I completed my dietetic internship there from 2013 to 2014.

During that time, I met so many veterans who were living with diabetes but waiting weeks or sometimes months for an appointment or education after their diagnosis. Despite these challenges, their resilience was inspiring. I remember seeing the frustration and worry in their faces, especially those hospitalized because of diabetes-related complications.

That experience changed everything for me. The veterans I worked with taught me compassion, resilience, and the true value of early education and support. They inspired me to create a diabetes education program that people could start right away—the very day they were diagnosed—so no one had to sit in uncertainty, wondering what to do next. This early education is crucial in empowering individuals to manage their condition effectively.

For that, I'll always be grateful. The lessons I learned from those who have served continue to guide how I teach, support, and encourage people with diabetes today.

Ways We Can Support Veterans (and Ourselves!)

On Veteran's Day, and every day, here are meaningful ways to act:

• Thank veterans, and listen. A genuine "thank you" goes a long way, especially when it comes with compassion and a listening ear.

• Connect them (or yourself) to resources. Encourage veterans to reach out to their VA diabetes programs or explore community or online education options if access is limited.

• Encourage community. Group support makes a world of difference, whether it's a veterans' group, a diabetes education class, or an online community.

• Share what you know. Your success story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

• Focus on prevention. Small, consistent lifestyle choices, like healthy eating, stress management, and good sleep, can go a long way for veterans and civilians alike.

A Friendly Closing

On this Veteran's Day, let's raise our virtual (or real) glasses to our veterans, and raise our self-care game too. Diabetes is tough, but it doesn't have to steal the show. Whether you served or you're walking alongside someone who did, there's strength in connection, community, and choosing one good habit at a time.

If you're living with diabetes and feel like you need a bit more support, whether a friendly chat, tools, or a program designed for you, drop a comment, reach out, and know you're not alone.