Vietnam Veterans Still Battling Agent Orange

by Chuck N. Baker

(Washington, D.C.) — It’s not a new challenge. It’s an old challenge that continues to grow. And while the enemy is often ourselves due to our poor eating habits, there are new weapons being developed that can help tip the advantage toward Vietnam veterans. Specifically, those Vietnam veterans who have contracted diabetes, at least partially because of exposure to Agent Orange. Service-connection for the sugar-filled illness among Vietnam veterans has been on the increase. According to information provided by the Disabled American Veterans, diabetes has become one of the biggest costs to the VA health care system.

“Agent Orange” is an umbrella term that covers several chemicals sprayed on vegetation during the Vietnam War. The effect on bushes and trees and animals was death. True, greenery was a place where the enemy hid and set up ambushes, attacking American forces. But the chemicals that were dropped didn’t just cover the plants. They also fell on American soldiers. And within a few years, the VA came up with a list of presumptive diseases attributed to Agent Orange. Diabetes mellitus type 2 was on that list.

It’s true that in addition to being sprayed in Vietnam, more veterans and non-veterans alike are coming down with diabetes type 2. General risk factors include age over 45 years, family history and genetics, sedentary lifestyle, gestational diabetes, obesity and unhealthy eating habits. The last two symptoms — obesity and unhealthy eating habits — cannot be dismissed as only minor causes. Studies show the average American eats about 100 pounds of sugar a year. Donuts, cakes, cookies, candies, pizzas, cereal, breads, ice cream, chips, bagels, jellies, yogurt, pudding, fast food and processed food are everywhere. In the supermarket, in restaurants, in diners and fast food establishments, everyone has unlimited access to unlimited calories. And that can add to the damage Agent Orange has done to veterans. Sadly, the increase of the disease in Vietnam veterans has grown.

The incidence among Vietnam veterans of Type 2 diabetes is substantially higher than among the general population. Left untreated, it often causes blindness, end-stage renal disease and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetics are also more likely to suffer coronary heart disease and strokes.

There are new weapons that can help many who have the disease. The VA has introduced a campaign entitled “Understand Your Diabetes Numbers.” It’s aim is to educate diabetic veterans to better understand of their personal health. Numbers that bear watching are those related to hemoglobin A1C, glucose monitoring, blood pressure, kidney tests and vital measurements. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie reports that one in four veterans enrolled in the VA has diabetes. He said the new information campaign encourages veterans to be proactive with their health care, and gain an understanding of their numbers and test results. And as if the known reasons for diabetes are not enough, the COVID-19 situation adds another layer of danger. News reports say that if a diabetic contract’s the new virus, chances of developing serious complications appear to be much higher. Among other medical connections, high blood sugar weakens the immune system and makes it less able to fight infection.               Another new weapon that may be useful in treating diabetes is called an “artificial pancreas.” Developed by a scientist, if working properly the portable device connects to a patient and is said to automatically control blood sugar levels. Not yet on the market, it is reported to be almost ready for commercial use.

According to Lindsey Wahowial of Diabetes Forecast magazine, there are a few theories as to why diabetes disproportionately affects veterans. A higher rate of overweight and obesity than the general population is one theory. VA patients also tend to be older and, as noted above, eat less high-quality, healthy food. In addition to Agent Orange, there are other aspects of war that could increase veterans’ risks for developing diabetes, according to the VA.

Wahowial reports that nearly 23 million veterans currently live in the United States, and nine million are enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration, or VHA, with about 6.5 million seen each year. The VA offers medical facilities across the country to care for veterans, as well as education and other benefit programs that touch nearly every American family. The VHA is the largest health care system in the country, available to most veterans who served in active military service and to their families.

The VA said that one way to avoid diabetes is to lose extra pounds as being overweight is the single biggest risk factor. Exercise 30 minutes a day and eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet, and learn more about healthy living. For more information, contact the VA at the following numbers: Health Care (877) 222-8387. Benefits (800) 827-1000. TDD (Hearing Impaired) (800) 829-4833. And online at www.VA.Gov

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