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World Diabetes Day is Nov. 14 and the theme for 2026-2027 is Early Action. Worldwide, one out of nine adults are currently living with diabetes and in the United States, over 40 million people have diabetes. However, many people are undiagnosed and remain aware of their risk of diabetes.
Currently, 635 million adults worldwide are at high-risk for diabetes and 12 million persons in the United States are undiagnosed. Undoubtedly, we have a lot of work to do. Early action and prevention are key in the fight against the epidemic of diabetes. Early action "accelerates care, reduces the risk of diabetes, and leads to better health for all."
As a nurse for the past 40 years, I have provided care for countless people living with type 2 diabetes. I have witnessed the struggles of people living with diabetes and the many associated complications that can occur. Diabetes can be a very devastating disease, but I am hopeful that there are new emerging treatment options for diabetes, such as GLP-1 medications, and new user-friendly technologies, including the use of continuous glucose monitoring.
Lynn Glenn's research and practice promotes high quality, equitable health care and enhanced outcomes in underserved, diverse communities. View her profile Since being at Augusta University, I have focused my efforts on diabetes prevention in younger adults and rural populations. I have developed an adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program that incorporates flexibility and socioecological needs amidst competing priorities in young adulthood.
My objectives also include improving access to screening and early detection of diabetes which have been implemented in several community events and health fairs, as well as other non-traditional settings. I have addressed the need for enhanced access for persons at high-risk for diabetes, such as Hispanic populations, at the annual AU College of Nursing Costa Layman International Health Outreach Fair and diabetes screening of Hispanic adults at the Dental College of Georgia. Most recently, I am working in partnership with Georgia Center for Diabetes Translational Research at Emory University to advance the science of diabetes prevention research.
For Diabetes Month in November, TAKE ACTION and consider the following: Increase awareness of diabetes risk with friends and family members. Know your risk factors for diabetes and take the diabetes risk test. Approximately 115 million people and more than 42% of adults 18 years and older have prediabetes and at high for developing diabetes in the future. Encourage others to get diabetes screening. Almost one-third of adults with diabetes are undiagnosed or unaware of their condition. With the latest recommendations, more than 11 million adults are now eligible for diabetes screening. All adults aged 35 years and older should undergo screening for prediabetes and diabetes annually. Regardless of age, adults should undergo screening for prediabetes and diabetes if they have risk factors such as being overweight/obese, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy), or history of high blood pressure or hear disease. Participate in or organize a community-based screening for diabetes. Local events are an easy, non-threatening alternative to traditional health care office visits to receive preventive screenings. Advocate for increased awareness, screening, and early detection of diabetes in your local community. Increase equitable access to healthy food and physical activity at home and work. There is strong evidence that a healthy lifestyle has numerous benefits, such as prevention of cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. We spend a large proportion of time outside the home, yet our workplace environments may not be conducive to our health, such as prolonged sitting time, inadequate time or access to healthy meals, and a high burden of stress. Try to make healthier choices, such as less sitting time, eating healthier meals and snacks, and having quick exercise "snacks" at work. More research is needed to understand how healthy workplace environments can have a positive impact on health outcomes. Please help support people at risk or living with diabetes and TAKE ACTION!
Connect with an Expert Dr. Lynn Glenn, PhD, MSN, of Augusta University's College of Nursing, is available to speak with media about diabetes prevention, early detection, emerging treatments and the importance of expanding access to screening, particularly among younger adults, rural communities and underserved populations.
To arrange an interview or learn more about her research, click Dr. Lynn Glenn's ExpertFile profile below.
Cuba is making a significant move to revive its struggling tourism industry, opening the door to foreign investment, private hotel ownership and greater participation by independent businesses. But will these changes be enough to bring tourists and investors back to the island?
That's the question being examined by Dr. Paolo Spadoni, associate professor of political science at Augusta University, in a recent Travel Weekly article titled Experts laud Cuba reforms but don't see quick travel rebound, published Oct. 26.
The reforms would allow hotels to become fully foreign-owned and private businesses to operate travel agencies, tour companies and car rental services. While the changes represent a departure from Cuba's traditionally state-controlled tourism model, Spadoni cautions that the economic and political environment remains a major obstacle.
Paolo Spadoni, a recognized authority on Cuba's political economy and co-author of the 2025 book The Cuban Tourism Industry: Evolution, Challenges and Prospects, told Travel Weekly that the reforms are necessary but arrive at a particularly difficult moment. View his profile They want to change the model, which is, I think, a good thing to do, but the conditions are not there now to actually reap the benefits,” Spadoni told Travel Weekly. He also warned that attracting substantial foreign investment remains unlikely under current conditions, pointing to the departure of international hotel operators, declining visitor numbers and continuing U.S. economic restrictions.
Spadoni noted that U.S. tourist arrivals between January and August were just 9.9% of their levels during the same period in 2019. He also explained that Cuba's state-controlled tourism model was showing signs of exhaustion even before the pandemic.
His analysis raises important questions about the future of one of Cuba's most important industries, the potential for private-sector growth and whether economic reforms can succeed without broader changes in U.S.-Cuba relations.
For journalists covering international tourism, foreign investment, economic reform or U.S.-Cuba relations, Dr. Spadoni offers timely insight into the challenges facing Cuba and what it will take to rebuild its tourism economy.
An internationally recognized expert on Cuba, Spadoni specializes in Latin American political economies, international relations, foreign investment and U.S.-Cuba relations.
To arrange an interview or connect with Dr. Paolo Spadoni, visit his ExpertFile profile below.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive brain
disorder associated with the buildup of abnormal amyloid and tau proteins that damage
nerve cells. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) can affect memory,
judgment, mobility, balance, and everyday independence, often beginning years before
symptoms become noticeable.
“One of the most important things to understand about AD/ADRD is that it affects more than memory,” explains Deborah Jehu, PhD. “It can change how someone plans, makes decisions, moves through their environment, and completes tasks they have performed independently for years.” Recognizing the Early Signs Early symptoms may include repeatedly asking the same questions, forgetting recently
learned information, misplacing items, struggling to find words, or having difficulty
managing finances and appointments. Someone may also become confused in familiar
places, struggle to follow a recipe, or find it increasingly difficult to organize multistep
activities.
AD/ADRD progression is variable, and cognitive and functional abilities may fluctuate
from day to day. Individuals may require intermittent reminders or assistance with tasks
such as meal preparation and medication management. Persistent changes in daily
functioning warrant clinical evaluation but do not necessarily indicate AD/ADRD.
Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosing AD/ADRD typically involves reviewing medical history, assessing memory
and thinking, evaluating daily functioning and conducting physical and neurological
examinations. Clinicians may order laboratory tests to identify other causes of cognitive
changes, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies. Brain imaging and, when
appropriate, blood-based biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid testing, or amyloid PET scans
can help clarify the diagnosis.
There is currently no cure for AD/ADRD, but treatments can help manage symptoms or
slow disease progression in some people. Medications such as donepezil and
memantine may help manage cognitive symptoms, while certain anti-amyloid therapies
may slow decline in eligible patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment
decisions require individualized assessment of potential benefits, risks, and monitoring
needs.
Preserving Mobility and Independence Dr. Jehu emphasizes that comprehensive AD/ADRD care must address physical
function alongside cognitive health. People with AD/ADRD can be up to twice as likely
to fall as cognitively healthy older adults. As the condition progresses, changes in
balance, gait, coordination, and judgment can increase fall risk, potentially leading to
injuries, reduced mobility, and loss of independence. These challenges make routine
mobility assessments and early rehabilitation particularly important.
Physical and occupational therapists can recommend individualized strength and
balance exercises, adapt activities, and identify environmental hazards. Caregivers can
also support independence through consistent routines, familiar surroundings, simple
instructions, medication reminders, and visual cues.
“Supporting independence means recognizing what a person can still do and providing just enough assistance to help them succeed safely,” says Jehu. “The goal is not simply to prevent accidents, but to preserve dignity, autonomy, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.” Technology may also help through timely reminders, medication prompts and task-by-
task guidance. However, these tools should complement, not replace, human
connection, professional care and appropriate supervision.
Looking Ahead Early recognition, personalized treatment, physical activity, and coordinated support can
help people living with AD/ADRD maintain function and quality of life. Dr. Jehu
underscores the need for research that evaluates practical, dementia-specific
interventions to preserve mobility, prevent falls and reduce caregiver burden.
Ultimately, successful AD/ADRD care should be measured not only by changes in
memory, but also by a person’s ability to remain safe, active, connected, and as
independent as possible throughout the course of the disease.
If you're interested in speaking with Dr. Jehu about Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia and the research taking place at Augusta University – contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.
