LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Diabetes is a nationwide epidemic – the CDC reports it affects more than 37 million Americans – and what’s true nationally is also true in Louisiana.

According to High Rise Financial, the Bayou State ranks fourth in the country with the highest increase in diabetes, but as more Louisianans are diagnosed, a local pharmacist says there is hope.

“People get very nervous and scared when they hear they are diagnosed. They are very manageable diseases through both lifestyle management and their medication,” said John David Martin, pharmacist at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

Problems like the shortage of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have made managing the disease a bit more difficult.

“Because drugs have become a very hot topic and kind of a new commodity, there have been some problems getting them,” Martin said.

For diabetics who need GLP-1 drugs, Martin said to check with local pharmacies, which have different supply chains than big box pharmacies.

Cost is another important factor. The American Diabetes Association says Louisiana residents with diabetes have medical expenses up to 2.3 times higher than those without the condition.

“A very good thing to look for is couponing, especially for the very expensive drugs, the GLP-1 drugs, semaglutide, Ozempic, Mounjaro,” Martin said.

Ophthalmologist dr. Margaret Carter touched on the importance of eye exams. Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness for adults ages 20 to 74, according to the National Eye Center.

“Blood flow and blood vessels are affected by chronic diabetes. It damages the blood vessel walls, and fluid blood and lipids can leak out of the blood vessels and into the tissues of the eye,” Carter said.

Carter also said that the longer diabetics wait to get their eyes checked, the more at risk they are for potential vision problems.

Both Martin and Carter said that with any illness, but especially diabetes, words of encouragement and patience are always helpful for those who are having trouble adjusting to their new lifestyle.

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