Rotarians received an insightful and educational presentation last Tuesday from Dr. David Harlan, a nationally recognized physician, researcher, and expert in diabetes care and treatment.

Introduced by his neighbor, Rotarian Gary Bonnewell, Dr. Harlan shared highlights from a distinguished career in medicine, research, and public service. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and completed his medical education and advanced training at Duke University. Over the course of three decades, he served with both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health. Since 2009, he has been a professor at the University of Massachusetts, retiring from active clinical practice in 2024 while continuing his teaching and research activities.

Dr. Harlan and his wife recently relocated to Norfolk to be closer to one of their children and grandchildren and to enjoy milder winters. His interest in diabetes is not only professional but also deeply personal. In addition to dedicating much of his career to studying the disease, one of his sons was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes five years ago.

During his presentation, Dr. Harlan explained that diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes, which accounts for roughly 10 percent of cases, results from the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Type 2 diabetes, representing about 90 percent of cases, is primarily caused by insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production and is often associated with obesity. Genetic and environmental factors can contribute to both forms of the disease.

With more than 40 million Americans living with diabetes, the condition remains a significant global health challenge and can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and other serious complications.

Despite these concerns, Dr. Harlan emphasized that outcomes for people with diabetes have improved dramatically over time. Reductions in smoking rates, along with better management of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, have helped people live longer and healthier lives. Modern treatments include continuous glucose monitors, advanced insulin formulations, insulin pumps and a growing number of effective medications tailored to individual patient needs.

Looking ahead, Dr. Harlan said researchers continue pursuing potential cures and preventive therapies, including stem-cell-based treatments designed to restore insulin production and interventions aimed at preventing Type 1 diabetes altogether. While challenges remain, he left Rotarians encouraged by the extraordinary progress that has already been made and optimistic about the future of diabetes care.

THE MEETING

Following music and the invocation, President Dave Duncan reminded Rotarians to sign up for committees. He also annnounced that the drawing for the big pot raffle will take place at the next meeting on June 16th. 

President Duncan and Kay Stine introduced two new members of the Norfolk Rotary Club. Diane Wallach is a former member who again will be part of the club. She is the owner of a downtown optometry business. Sue Padalino has recently relocated to Norfolk from Coral Gables, Florida, where she was a Rotarian. She works in real estate.