Marvin Isley, bass player for the Isley Brothers, a 70's era rhythm and blues powerhouse, died Sunday in Chicago at the young age of 56. Isley suffered from type 2 diabetes for many years; sources report he died from complications of this disease.
Diabetes had taken its toll on Isley's life. He stopped touring in 1996 due to a stroke, high blood pressure, and the amputation of his legs, all due to this horrible chronic lifestyle disease.
Isley stated in a 2001 interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution he regretted ignoring his disease for so many years. Diabetes is a serious, life threatening disease and its numbers continue to grow. In 2007, 23.6 million US children and adults suffer from diabetes, making up 7.8% of the total population. Of those, 5.7 million people are undiagnosed. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 57 million people are pre-diabetic. The total cost of diabetes in 2007 in the US was a staggering $218 billion.
Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, can be prevented. Obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise are all major risk factors that are under one's control.
Diabetes and its many complications have impacted the African-American community in disproportionate numbers - 11.8% of African-Americans suffer from diabetes, compared to 6.6% of whites (2006 data). Diabetes awareness and education is a key initiative of the American Diabetes Association, through its Live EMPOWERED program.
Much awareness has been raised about the increasing rates of this disease in America and its relation to obesity; but many still remain unaware of its insidious effects. Complications from diabetes include:
- High blood pressure - 75% of self-reported diabetics suffered from high blood pressure
- Heart disease - Adults with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to die of heart disease than those without diabetes.
- Stroke - Adults with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer a stroke
- Kidney disease - Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease.
- Loss of limbs - Diabetes is responsible for 60% of nontraumatic lower body amputations.
- Blindness - Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults ages 20-74.
- Neural damage - Approximately 65% of diabetics have nervous system damage.
Consider this: Diabetes was the 7th leading cause of deaths in the US in 2006. As trends continue climbing, it is estimated that all these statistics will also increase significantly. Sadly, our children, who now are contracting type 2 diabetes in alarming numbers, will find their lives tragically impacted by this largely preventable disease.
Video of The Isley Brothers performing "Who's that Lady" live in 1974
Comments
One of my greatest singing groups. So sad.
Oh my, he was so young and belonged to a great group and time for music.
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