[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 20, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, the month of November has been set aside to 
focus the nation's attention on one of the most chronic and 
debilitating diseases in the nation--Diabetes. It is estimated that the 
national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 
billion. Diabetes is a challenging disease that affects the entire 
family in many ways, which is why the theme for 2013 National Diabetes 
Month is Diabetes is a Family Affair.
  The theme reinforces the work of National Diabetes Education Program 
and its work with individuals, families and communities to take action 
and encourage simple, but important lifestyle changes to improve their 
health--particularly if they have diabetes or are at risk for the 
disease. Raising awareness and understanding of diabetes, its 
consequences, management and prevention of Type II Diabetes are 
important elements in this month's effort.
  Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose 
levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or 
use insulin. If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to 
serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness, kidney 
disease, stroke, amputation and even death. With early diagnosis and 
treatment and lifestyle changes, people with diabetes may prevent the 
development of these health problems.
  Nearly 26 million children and adults in our country suffer from 
diabetes. Another 79 million people have pre-diabetes and are at risk 
for developing Type II Diabetes. Unfortunately, the occurrence of 
diabetes is at least two to four times higher among minority women 
compared to white women.
  An estimated 1.3 million adult New Yorkers (almost one in eight) now 
have diabetes. A record number of New Yorkers, approximately 5,695 
people, died from diabetes and related causes in 2011--about one death 
every 90 minutes, 16 deaths every day. These numbers are so staggering 
that diabetes has been declared an epidemic by the NYC Health 
Department. For too many Americans, diabetes is thought of as a minor 
hindrance, rather than a life-changing disease.
  Diabetes is 24/7, 365 days a year and it takes extraordinary efforts 
to live an ordinary day with diabetes.
  I am committed to educating the public about how to stop diabetes and 
support those living with the disease. I applaud the efforts of the New 
York Chapter of the American Diabetes Association and other diabetes 
support and education programs, including St. Lukes/Roosevelt Endocrine 
Clinic, Mt. Sinai Endocrinology, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, 
Montefiore Conical Diabetes Center and North Bronx Health Care Network 
for their continued service to the residents of the 13th Congressional 
District.
  As a proud cosponsor of the Eliminating Disparities in Diabetes 
Prevention, Access and Care Act, aimed to promote diabetes research, 
treatment and prevention in minority populations, I will continue 
supporting the issues surrounding diabetes and the many people who are 
impacted by the disease.''

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