[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 16, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H2271-H2272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              DIABETES, A DEVASTATING PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cantor). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, as we observe National Women's 
Health Week this week, I rise as the Cochair of the Congressional 
Caucus on Women's Issues to bring attention and highlight a disease 
that has become a devastating public health issue. That disease is 
diabetes, and it is wreaking havoc on women, especially African 
American women.
  Recent studies confirm the numbers of women being diagnosed with Type 
II diabetes each year, and these numbers are increasing in alarming 
rates.
  Mr. Speaker, diabetes kills one American every 3 minutes, and a new 
case is diagnosed every 40 seconds. No person is immune and no 
community remains unaffected. Almost 16 million Americans have 
diabetes, with 60 percent of those being women.
  Statistics have shown that women with diabetes have a five-fold 
higher risk of coronary heart disease than do non-diabetic women. In 
addition, coronary heart disease is the number one killer of people 
with diabetes and poses a greater risk for women who develop heart 
disease. Furthermore, close to three-fourths of deaths in individuals 
with diabetes will be directly attributable to cardiovascular disease.
  Another disturbing aspect associated with this disease is that it is 
the number one killer of African American women with diabetes and has 
reached epidemic proportions. An alarming statistic is that 11.8 
percent of African American women who are 20 years old or older have 
diabetes, and about one in four African American women over the age of 
55 have diabetes, which is nearly twice the rate of white women.
  Statistics reflect that among older populations, women make up 75 
percent of diabetes cases. One of the reasons diabetes 
disproportionately affects women is because there are more obese women 
than men, and women live longer and maintain less active lives than 
men. Inactivity puts women at a greater risk for obesity, which is 
often a direct precursor to diabetes.
  The poor health habits of mothers increase the risks of their 
children developing similar behaviors and health challenges. Therefore, 
it is vital that we highlight the importance of educating women about 
healthy living.
  It is also important to conduct more diabetes-related research 
studies. Diabetes research has been an invaluable tool, that has paved 
the way to extraordinary breakthroughs for women.

                              {time}  2130

  However, more research must be funded and conducted as a standard 
protocol for women's health initiatives. We must research new and 
progressive treatments for women with diabetes and promote prevention 
as a response to this challenge.
  Primary prevention is critical to reducing morbidity, mortality, and 
economic costs associated with cardiovascular disease in diabetic 
women. Diabetes is the single most costly disease in America, totaling 
about $105 billion a year. That is why the Women's Caucus submitted an 
appropriations request for fiscal year 2002 that would fully fund NIH 
programs and which will provide the resources necessary to address this 
issue.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to raise their voices, 
open their hearts, and enhance their commitment in educating our 
communities

[[Page H2272]]

about diabetes and primary prevention. I also ask each one to join in 
the fight for adequate funding for research.
  Mr. Speaker, I will be introducing legislation in the next few days 
to bring attention to this important public health issue. The 
legislation will address this disparity that exists among diabetic 
women. It will focus on research, increased representation of minority 
scientists, and education outreach. I hope that my colleagues will 
cosponsor this legislation with me.

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