[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 23 (Monday, February 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF DIABETES AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

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                         HON. ANN MARIE BUERKLE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 13, 2012

  Ms. BUERKLE.  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to call attention to 
type I diabetes, a disease that is plaguing the citizens of our great 
Nation. This disease strikes not only our youths, but the ailment is 
affecting much more of our population. In the last 30 years, the number 
of people known to have diabetes in the United States has quadrupled to 
more than 26 million. Another 7 million Americans are estimated to have 
undiagnosed diabetes.
  Bringing awareness to type I diabetes not only combats a devastating 
illness, but it also saves the country money. Accounting for hundreds 
of billions of dollars in healthcare expenses, diabetes is also 
responsible for almost a third of all Medicare costs.
  Mr. Speaker, type I diabetes is a problem this country cannot ignore. 
Today, I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me in increasing 
diabetes awareness in our communities and throughout the Nation.

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