[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 153 (Monday, November 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NOVEMBER IS AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 29, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge November as 
National Diabetes Month. This is a time for us to officially recognize 
the importance of and to increase the awareness of this relentless, 
debilitating and--without question deadly disease. If left undiagnosed 
or untreated, the consequences of diabetes are far more serious than 
many people realize. This month is an opportunity for Americans to look 
at diabetes differently and to get involved to stop and prevent this 
disease.
  Currently, there are nearly 24 million American children and adults 
who have diabetes; there are another 57 million Americans that have 
prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing the disease. 
Every minute three people are diagnosed with diabetes and over 700,000 
New Yorkers have the disease--almost a third do not know they have it 
and more than 100,000 of them with very poorly controlled diabetes are 
at high risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and 
amputations.
  The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total cost of 
diagnosed diabetes in the United States is more than $174 billion 
annually. Further published studies suggest that when additional costs 
for gestational diabetes, prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are 
included, the total diabetes-related costs in the United States could 
exceed $218 billion each year if people do not have access to the tools 
necessary to manage their diabetes. Every day, nearly 200 people with 
diabetes will undergo an amputation, 130 people enter end-stage kidney 
disease programs and 50 people go blind from diabetes. Diabetes kills 
more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
  Diabetes is not merely a condition; it is a disease with deadly 
consequences. Drastic action is needed from everyone for we simply 
cannot afford to continue to ignore this epidemic. The most critical 
thing you can do is to take control of your own health and to encourage 
your family and community to do the same. Fortunately, there are a 
number of steps you can take if you have or are at risk for developing 
diabetes. Everyone can start by knowing the ``ABCs of diabetes''; this 
will help in keeping it under control, as well as, prevent or delay any 
serious and deadly complications. The ABCs are simple and consist of 
the following:
  Average Glucose--Most people with diabetes should check their A1C (a 
measure of average glucose) every 3 to 6 months. The A1C test measures 
how well they are managing their diabetes over time. A1C can also be 
reported as estimated Average Glucose, or eAG. In most cases, it is 
important to keep A1C less than 7 percent (eAG less than 154 mg/dl).
  Blood Pressure--People with diabetes should have a target blood 
pressure of less than 130/80 mmHg.
  Cholesterol--LDL (bad) cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dl; HDL 
(healthy) cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for 
women; triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dl.
  Diabetes is an epidemic in New York City, fueled by the increase in 
obesity nationwide and worldwide. In the past 15 years, the number of 
people with diabetes in NYC has more than doubled. In 2008, 550,000 New 
Yorkers reported being diagnosed with diabetes. Though serious, 
diabetes can be prevented and controlled--weight management is an 
important step.
  Therefore, I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor, participate 
in some form of physical activity, maintain a healthy diet and take 
your medications. These are just a few preventive measures that you can 
do in taking control of your diabetes. So, please join me in 
recognizing November as National Diabetes Month and increasing the 
awareness by jump starting your way to a healthier life.

                          ____________________