[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH

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                             HON. DOUG OSE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2003

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Diabetes Caucus, I rise 
today in honor of National Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a growing 
concern in this country as each year increasing numbers of Americans 
are being diagnosed with the disease. The disease does not 
discriminate; children, adults and senior citizens alike are realizing 
the devastating impact of diabetes and its tragic effects have touched 
the lives of Americans across the country.
  Diabetes itself is debilitating, but it can also lead to heart, 
kidney, nervous system or dental diseases, as well as blindness, high 
blood pressure, complications during pregnancy, strokes, and even 
death. Today, 17 million people live with diabetes and approximately 1 
million new cases are diagnosed each year in people over the age of 20. 
It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with 19 
percent of Americans over the age of 25 losing their lives to diabetes 
each year. The statistic that 1 million children have been diagnosed 
with juvenile diabetes is particularly unnerving.
  In my home state of California, every half-hour a life is lost due to 
causes directly or indirectly linked to diabetes. Currently, there are 
two million Californians who have been diagnosed with diabetes, putting 
California's average above the national rate. That number is expected 
to double by the year 2020.
  Organizations such as the Juvenile Research Fund are vital to 
research efforts to find a cure for diabetes. In addition to conducting 
its own research, JDRF provides valuable outreach programs in schools 
and the community to educate the public on diabetes related issues.
  This past June, the Sacramento chapter of JDRF sent two of my 
constituents, Juleah Cordi and Gianna Gallo, to the Children's 
Congress. At this conference, children afflicted with diabetes spoke 
with Members of Congress to raise awareness of this debilitating 
disease. As a congressional co-chair of this event, I would like to 
thank Juleah, Gianna and other Children's Congress participants for 
their help in bringing attention to this issue.
  The cost of diabetes is rising, both in terms of the cost to treat 
the disease and the number of American lives lost resulting from 
complications relating to the disease. We must support the National 
Institute of Health's funding for diabetes research so that 
organizations like JDRF may continue to provide preventative education 
and help curb the spread of the disease. Education is a key component 
in preventative efforts, by encouraging individuals to make life-style 
changes that will reduce their risk of getting diabetes.
  Mr. Speaker, we have made great strides over the years in diabetes 
research and outreach education. I applaud the many organizations that 
have contributed to this effort and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring National Diabetes Month. Let's help give those Americans 
living with diabetes hope that one day soon, we will find a cure to 
diabetes.

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