[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL DIABETES DAY

                                 ______


                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 26, 1996

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today is National Diabetes Day. Diabetes is 
a life-threatening, chronic disease, and a major public health issue 
that affects 16 million Americans directly and the rest of the 
population indirectly through its impact on medical care and costs.
  Since the 1960's the prevalence of diabetes has tripled and it is 
reaching epidemic proportions. The National Institutes of Health 
estimates that about 1,800 new cases are diagnosed each day. Diabetes 
is by far the most widespread disease in our country today. In 1992 
alone, cost of care for diabetes totaled $92 billion.
  The skyrocketing rise in diabetes is linked to four very important 
factors. First, an aging population. The aging of the baby boomer 
population will ultimately increase that number even higher. Second, is 
the increasing degree of obesity. Third, is the fact that the 
population is living in a more sedentary lifestyle, and fourth is the 
fact that improved diagnosis techniques have isolated cases at earlier 
stages.
  Those at risk for diabetes generally exhibit four different 
characteristics: they are over 45 years old, more than 120 percent 
above their ideal body weight, physically inactive, or have an 
immediate family member diagnosed with diabetes.
  The toll of diabetes in death and human suffering is very great. 
Physicians are very critical to pubic education efforts. Physicians 
need to be more aware and sensitive to the fact that diabetes is a very 
serious disease. Many people are unaware they have the disease until 
they seek treatment for one of its crippling conditions. Some of these 
conditions include: stroke, blindness, heart disease, or even kidney 
disease.
  Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among those 20 to 74 years 
old. Also, as many as 20 percent of diabetics develop kidney disease. 
And diabetics are two to four times more likely to develop heart 
disease and strokes.
  Diabetes is currently the fourth leading cause of death by disease. 
Moreover, about 169,000 Americans die each year from the disease--more 
than the number of people who die from AIDS or breast cancer.
  We must realize that diabetes requires a lifetime of medical care and 
self-treatment. A person with diabetes must have access to supplies, 
equipment, and education. With these resources made available, a person 
with diabetes can greatly reduce any complications that cause any 
suffering associated with the disease.
  Health care must be made a priority for people with diabetes. People 
with diabetes have great difficulty acquiring affordable health 
insurance that is needed to obtain medical care. Medicare and Medicaid, 
the Federal Government's two largest health care programs, do not 
provide coverage of supplies and medication necessary to avoid 
complications related to diabetes.
  According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes research is 
proven to save money. Studies taken show that for every dollar spent on 
medical research, $13 is saved in health care costs. The majority of 
diabetes research is supported by the National Institutes of Health. 
Ironically, of the more than $12 billion spent by the U.S. Government 
on medical research, only 3 percent is used to fund diabetes research. 
There must be a greater amount of support for medical research programs 
and also increased funding for diabetes research.
  In regard to health care issues, we must have widespread support for 
legislation and efforts in the private sector that will ensure greater 
access to health care for people with diabetes.
  I have recently become a cosponsor of two bills sponsored by 
Representative Furse (H.R. 1073 and H.R. 1074) that seek to expand 
Medicare coverage of outpatient self-management training and access to 
blood testing strips. I have also signed on to a letter supporting the 
National Institutes of Health as a priority when considering a balanced 
budget.
  We, Representatives in Congress, have the opportunity to improve the 
lives of millions of Americans with diabetes who rely on Medicare for 
their health insurance. I look forward to working with the other 
Members of Congress, now and in the future, to improve the lives of 
people with diabetes.

                          ____________________