[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 173 (Friday, November 20, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11880-S11881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish today to recognize November as 
American Diabetes Month. National studies estimate 23.6 million 
Americans live with diabetes, and nearly one-quarter of this population 
has not yet been diagnosed. The number of South Dakotans living with 
diabetes has doubled since 1998, with more than 39,000 adults diagnosed 
as diabetics in 2008 and an estimated 10,000 not yet diagnosed.
  American Diabetes Month focuses on increasing awareness of the 
disease, strengthening prevention efforts, and identifying associated 
health risks. The disease carries with it an increased rate of heart 
disease and stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness, and 
amputation of the lower extremities, among other associated health 
problems. For the past few decades, the prevalence of overweight and 
obesity has steadily increased nationwide, increasing the prevalence of 
type 2 diabetes. As the prevalence of diabetes increases, we are 
beginning to understand the costs to both our citizens' health and to 
our economy. The high costs to our government in direct medical and 
indirect costs of lost productivity, coupled with the personal costs of 
rising health care coverage and treatment, make type 2 diabetes control 
and prevention a national priority.

[[Page S11881]]

  Throughout my career, I have strongly supported initiatives to 
advance diabetes research, prevention, and education efforts. I commend 
the work conducted at the National Institutes of Health, the National 
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to explore cures and 
treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prevent the development 
of type 2 diabetes.
  Americans diagnosed with diabetes, whether insured or not, often face 
significant barriers in receiving timely, affordable treatment in our 
current health care system. Congress is currently considering 
comprehensive reform of our Nation's health care system. This is a 
historic opportunity to improve access to quality, affordable health 
care for all Americans and better manage the treatment of chronic 
diseases. Given the cost of diabetes to our citizens' health and 
personal finances and to our national economy, we must also continue to 
push to increase funding for diabetes research and prevention programs. 
American Diabetes Month provides an opportunity to learn more about the 
causes and health risks of diabetes and recognize its impact on our 
Nation and our families.

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