[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING DIABETES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 1999

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this 
important resolution expressing our continued commitment to the fight 
against diabetes.
  Diabetes is one of the most costly health problems in America. More 
than 1 out of every 10 health care dollars in the United States, and 
about 1 out of every 4 Medicare dollars is spent on care for people 
with diabetes.
  The devastation caused by diabetes, however, goes far beyond the 
financial costs. Over 16 million Americans suffer from this chronic 
disease for which there is no cure. Diabetes is the seventh leading 
cause of death in the United States.
  While over 10 million Americans know that they are living with 
diabetes, another 5.4 million people are not even aware that they have 
the disease. Many people only realize that they have diabetes when they 
develop a life-threatening complication like blindness, kidney disease, 
nerve damage, heart disease or stroke.
  Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of these 
terrible complications. I am pleased to note that constituents in my 
district have access to a number of outstanding diabetes education 
programs, including those at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Columbia Hospital, Froedtert 
Memorial Lutheran Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, St. Luke's Medical 
Center, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, and West Allis Memorial Hospital. 
The resolution before us today recognizes the important role that these 
dedicated health professionals and volunteers play in the fight against 
diabetes.
  Mr. Speaker, these health providers and their patients need our help. 
Improvements in technology and the general growth in scientific 
knowledge have created unprecedented opportunities for advances that 
might lead to better treatments, prevention, and ultimately a cure. 
Congress has a responsibility to support this critical, life-saving 
research. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and affirm 
their commitment to find a cure for diabetes.

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