Wisconsin
'It's not someone's fault': Wisconsin doctor pushes back on stigma against kids with diabetes
People with Type 2 diabetes can face stigma and even blame when health care providers see the disease as the result of poor diet instead of a chronic condition.
It’s a misconception that Dr. Elizabeth Mann, pediatric endocrinologist at UW Health, is trying to combat as a growing number of children and teens in Wisconsin are developing the disease.
“It’s not someone’s fault that they have (Type 2 diabetes),” said Mann. “It’s a metabolic difference that happens in their body. Blaming them for it and setting unrealistic expectations of what nutrition and lifestyle therapy will do for them only serves to sort of turn patients off to come in and see us.”
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Over the last two decades in the U.S., the disease has not only become more common in people under age 18, but has also started to affect younger children, including those as young as 6 years old. The National Institutes for Health launched a nationwide study earlier this year to try to understand what is driving the disease in adolescents.
Mann leads UW Health’s Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes program, where she has been treating a growing number of kids in recent years. She said the program used to have around 20 children referred to them each year, but that number is now around 150 kids.
“Many kids with Type 2 diabetes across the state don’t have the ability to drive all the way to Madison,” she said, “So we’re also talking with family medicine providers and pediatricians around the state who are caring for these kids in their clinics, with support from us or on their own.”
Mann said when a person develops Type 2 diabetes at a young age, the disease is more aggressive and is more likely to lead to further complications like heart disease. That also means nutrition and lifestyle changes alone are not as effective at managing the disease as they are in adults.
She said treatment options for the disease has greatly improved thanks to the availability of new medications, referred to GLP-1 drugs, for children.
But these drugs, sold under brands like Ozempic and Wegozy, have become controversial for their use in weight loss. Critics have questioned whether enough is known about the long-term health impacts of using these medications at a young age.
Mann said it’s difficult to get approval for the medication through Wisconsin’s Medicaid insurance program and the medications are only covered for a limited time. She said many private insurance companies will simply refuse to cover the treatment.
“When we can’t use evidence to help our patients access the right medication for them because of insurance limitations, it’s like we’re kind of fighting with our hands behind our backs,” she said. “That’s, I think, how our families are feeling too. There’s an option that could work for them, but it’s only covered for six months.”
As Wisconsin continues to see an increase in kids with Type 2 diabetes, Mann said she believes improving access to these medications is an important part of the state’ public health response. She also hopes to see increased screening and early recognition of the disease to ensure kids are getting the help they need.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
There are several events happening across the area this weekend, including festivals, sports, and art exhibits.
Art in Bloom transforms the Milwaukee Art Museum with floral installations inspired by artwork in the museum. The annual event runs through Sunday, and timed tickets are needed.
It is the opening weekend of the 18th annual Milwaukee Film Festival. Screenings are taking place at the Downer and Oriental theaters. Several local films are being screened along with national and international films.
WATCH: Art in Bloom, Milwaukee Film Festival and more. What are you doing this weekend?
Wisconsin Weekend in a Minute
Wee Whiskey Fest returns to Lake Geneva with a full weekend of tastings, entertainment, and events. Saturday’s Grand Tasting features more than 150 premium bourbons and whiskies, with more festivities happening all weekend long.
At the Milwaukee Admirals game tonight, it is Fair Deal Friday. Fans who grab an Admirals ticket will get a free Fair ticket. It is also Fan Appreciation Night with plenty of giveaways, and the first 2,500 fans will get a one-of-a-kind Admirals and Brewers t-shirt.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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(WLUK) — Many roads remain closed as Northeast Wisconsin continues to deal with the effects of heavy rain and flooding.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation released this list of road closures Thursday for state highways in the area:
Highway 147 is closed at Church Street in Mishicot due to flooding.
- A detour route is posted using County V, WIS 42 and County VV.
Highway 54 is closed in both directions from near N. Maple Street/Highway 47 in Black Creek to Hooyman Road/County M west of Shiocton due to flooding on roadway.
- Alternate route for southbound: Take Highway 47 to County S to County M.
- Reverse for northbound.
Highway 76 is closed in both directions from East Avenue in Shiocton to Oak Crest Drive in Stephensville due to flooding on roadway.
- No detour is available with all other county roadways flooded in this area as well. Planned to be closed indefinitely.
Highway 76 is closed in both directions from County D in Bear Creek to Highway 54 in Shiocton because of flooding on roadway.
- No detour is available with all other county roadways flooded in this area as well. Planned to be closed indefinitely.
Highway 54 is closed in both directions from Gorges Road in Northport to Jeanne Street in New London due to flooding on roadway. NOTE: Highway 45 north and south of New London is closed for an ongoing construction project.
- Alternate Route for eastbound traffic: Traffic will exit Highway 54 at Highway 110/22, north on Highway 110/22 to County BB, east on County BB to County B, north on County B to Highway 22, east on Highway 22 to US 45, north on US 45 to Highway 22, North on Highway 22 to Highway 156, East on Highway 156 to Highway 47, south on Highway 47 back to Highway 54.
- Reverse for westbound.
Highway 187 from Highway 156 in Shawano County to Highway 54 in Outagamie County is closed in both directions due to flooding.
- Alternate route for southbound: Highway 156 to Highway 47 to Highway 54.
- Reverse for northbound.
Highway 110 is closed in both directions south of Manawa from County B in Manawa to County BB due to flooding on roadway.
- Alternate route for northbound: Northbound traffic will exit WIS 110 at County BB, east on County BB to County B, north on County B back to Highway 110.
- Reverse for southbound.
If you can safely take a photo or video of conditions where you are, share it with us here:
The DOT also gave these tips for safe driving during flood conditions:
- Please make sure you have the flooding tab clicked on the 511 map to view all locations of flooding.
- Never attempt to cross a water-covered road. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.
- Do not ignore barricades or road closure signs.
Flash flooding can occur suddenly anywhere in the area.
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- Always check current road conditions before traveling:
- Visit the 511 Wisconsin website for the latest weather and road alerts.
- Motorists should plan extra time for travel, use designated alternate routes, and exercise extreme caution in low-lying areas. Conditions may change rapidly.
- For the latest updates, monitor the 511 Wisconsin website. Stay safe and drive smart when in doubt, turn around and find another way.
- For real-time information, please check the 511 Wisconsin website or call 511.
(WLUK) — More rain is on the way for Northeast Wisconsin.
Flood warnings are currently in effect for many area rivers and streams as recent rainfall has pushed some to reach flood level.
This morning, there’s a dense fog advisory in place.
Visibility could drop to a quarter mile in some places.
Today there’s a chance for showers and a few thunderstorms.
It will then become mostly sunny with a high near 66.
Tomorrow will be partly cloudy with a high of 70 before our Next Weathermaker brings showers and thunderstorms late in the day and into the evening.
Some of those storms could become severe with damaging wind, large hail and a few tornadoes.
Our area is in a level 2 and 3 out of 5 for severe weather risk.
If you see severe weather in your area and can safely take a photo or video, Chime In here:
After the rain tomorrow night, we should have a string of dry days, which will help with dropping high river levels.
Saturday we’ll see a mix of sun and clouds.
It will be windy with a high near 48.
Winds could gust to 35 mph out of the northwest.
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Click here for Director of Meteorology Pete Petoniak’s full forecast.
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