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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.
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.
Artificial intelligence is already transforming industries, reshaping labour markets and changing how governments deliver services. Now, new research suggests AI development may also influence something far less obvious: a country's ability to secure favourable credit ratings and access lower-cost capital.
A study co-authored by Lance Y. Hunter, PhD, a professor at Augusta University, and Glen Biglaiser, PhD, Regents Professor at the University of North Texas, finds a significant positive relationship between national AI development and sovereign bond ratings.
Published in the International Area Studies Review, the research examines sovereign bond ratings across 101 countries between 2020 and 2023, using ratings from Moody's and Standard & Poor's alongside measures of national AI readiness.
Lance Hunter, PhD, is a political science professor at Augusta University whose expertise in political behavior, elections and political communication makes him a valuable resource for journalists covering the growing influence of artificial intelligence on American politics. View his profile AI and Economic Confidence The researchers found that countries with more advanced AI capabilities generally received higher sovereign bond ratings, even after accounting for a range of economic, political and social factors.
Their analysis suggests AI development may strengthen national economies by increasing productivity, improving government efficiency and supporting economic growth. These improvements can contribute to stronger public finances and greater confidence in a government's ability to repay its debts.
The findings have potentially significant implications for governments seeking to attract investment, finance infrastructure and reduce borrowing costs.
Government Efficiency Matters One of the study's most notable findings concerns the relationship between AI development and government effectiveness.
Using statistical mediation analysis, the researchers found that government effectiveness accounted for 32.2% of the relationship between AI development and Standard & Poor's ratings and 26.1% of the relationship with Moody's ratings.
The research also identified national income and gross savings as contributing factors, reinforcing the connection between technological development, economic performance and sovereign creditworthiness.
The findings suggest that national AI strategies may have financial implications extending beyond innovation and industrial competitiveness.
Opportunities and Risks The researchers also caution that AI's economic benefits are not guaranteed.
While greater adoption can increase productivity and improve public services, poorly managed implementation could contribute to job displacement, inequality and economic instability.
Their findings underscore the importance of responsible AI development, particularly policies that support workers while encouraging technological innovation.
The study, Artificial Intelligence Development and Sovereign Bond Ratings, offers a new perspective on how emerging technologies may influence international finance and government borrowing.
As governments worldwide increase investments in artificial intelligence, Hunter's research raises important questions about whether technological readiness could become an increasingly influential consideration in assessments of national economic strength.
Lance Y. Hunter, PhD, is available to provide expert insight into the relationship between artificial intelligence, government effectiveness, sovereign debt, international political economy and the economic implications of emerging technologies.
To connect with Dr. Hunter for an interview or learn more about his research, visit his profile below.
