[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 164 (Thursday, November 5, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11212-S11213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. FRANKEN (for himself and Mr. Lugar):
  S. 2734. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect 
to the prevention of diabetes, and for other purposes; to the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, right now many of us are engaged in a 
worthwhile discussion about health care and health insurance. These are 
immensely important topics, and I look forward to working with all 
colleagues to pass health reform this year. In these broader 
discussions, it is easy to forget that the best way to become a 
healthier country with lower health care costs is to prevent Americans 
from becoming sick in the first place. A great place to prioritize 
wellness over sickness comes in our prevention of diabetes.
  Today 24 million Americans suffer from diabetes, and the epidemic is 
getting worse. If we do not make some changes soon, the prevalence of 
the disease will double over the next 30 years. The annual cost of 
diabetes in the country is expected to reach $338 billion by 2020. 
Right now 57 million Americans are what is considered prediabetic.
  That means they are at risk of developing the full-blown disease 
because they have high blood pressure or high glucose levels. These 
statistics include over a million adults and 92,000 youth in my State 
alone. These are Minnesotans who may find out tomorrow they have become 
diabetic.
  We know that diabetes may become debilitating and require costly 
medical interventions, from daily injections of insulin all the way to 
amputations. We know how devastating this disease is from the stories 
we hear when we are back home.
  This week I was on the floor and shared the story of Liz MacCaskie 
from Minneapolis. She lost her job in September and is 58 years old, my 
exact age. She lives with diabetes and was just diagnosed with kidney 
failure. She is paying close to $20,000 a year for her insurance and 
trying to live on $1,000 a month.
  If we could help people such as Liz avoid the pain and suffering that 
comes from diabetes, it would be a healthier, more prosperous country. 
The good news is that we can help Americans avoid this costly and 
debilitating disease. Research has shown that prediabetics can avoid 
full-blown diabetes if they receive access to community services such 
as nutrition counseling and gym memberships. These are proven to cut 
the risk of developing diabetes in half.
  I am pleased to be offering legislation with Senator Lugar to ensure 
that prediabetics have access to services that will stop this disease 
in its tracks. The Diabetes Prevention Act is based on an NIH research 
study done in partnership with the YMCA in Indiana. The study showed 
that a 16-week intensive lifestyle program can prevent diabetes and 
cost less than $300 per person--less than $300 per person--per

[[Page S11213]]

year. Studies have shown us that this investment can save us money 
within 2 to 3 years.
  The Minnesota Department of Health has been working with our local 
YMCAs in Willmar, Rochester, and Minneapolis to implement this program. 
We have a diverse group of instructors who speak Spanish, Hmong, 
Somali, and American Sign Language. They include parish nurses, 
dietitians, and community health educators. All these folks are helping 
community members to eat healthier and become more physically active. 
For the lucky people who get to participate in these programs, it is 
working. They are losing weight, getting healthier, and avoiding 
diabetes.
  But right now, these efforts are a drop in the bucket because the 
epidemic is so great. With this bill, we will replicate this cost-
effective program and improve the lives of millions of Americans. This 
bill will help communities across the country to set up diabetes 
prevention programs--on Indian reservations, in rural areas, and urban 
centers. Ultimately, health insurance companies will be reimbursing for 
these services because prevention saves money and it saves lives.
  This is an investment in our Nation's future. I look forward to 
working with my colleagues to enact this important legislation.
                                 ______