[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Diabetes 
Month, during which we reflect on the importance of understanding, 
treating, and caring for this serious condition.
   The diabetes endemic is a present and growing threat in today's 
society. Close to 30 million Americans have diabetes, while another 86 
million are pre-diabetic. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 
if current trends continue, 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes by 
2050.
   The economic burden of diabetes, pre-diabetes and the largely 
preventable chronic diseases resulting from diabetes costs the United 
States approximately $245 billion. Many of these costs are associated 
with diabetes-related complications, including kidney failure, 
blindness, and amputations. Diabetes is also a major cause of heart 
disease and stroke.
   To address this problem, it is critical that we make investments in 
diabetes prevention, care, and treatment. In my district and throughout 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, citizens are benefiting from the 
exceptional efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and 
the New England Office of the American Diabetes Association. These 
organizations are dedicated to raising awareness, providing support to 
patients and families, and funding promising diabetes research. Both of 
these organizations are also extraordinary advocates on behalf of 
families and individuals living with diabetes.
   Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring November as 
National Diabetes Month and in supporting diabetes research and care.

                          ____________________