[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H11519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, November is American 
Diabetes Month, and it is important that communities throughout our 
Nation participate in spreading awareness of the facts about the 
disease. Diabetes is a very serious health problem in America, as two 
out of three people who suffer from diabetes will die of heart disease 
or stroke. Diabetes also leads to other complications, including 
blindness, high blood pressure, kidney disease, nervous system disease, 
amputations, dental disease, problems in pregnancy and other health 
risks.
  This touches almost every family in every part of America. According 
to the American Diabetes Association, 13 million people have been 
diagnosed with the disease and an additional 5.2 million have been 
estimated to be unaware that they are living with the disease. As for 
my home State of South Carolina, we have the second highest rate of 
diabetes in the Nation. Also alarming is that 90 to 95 percent of 
diabetes cases are developed later in life, but Americans can reduce 
their risk by eating properly and maintaining regular exercise.
  I urge everyone to get the facts about diabetes during November, 
American Diabetes Month. In conclusion, God bless our troops.

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