[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18031]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2010

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness 
to the disease of diabetes. This month has been set aside to increase 
awareness of diabetes, its prevention and ways to manage its impact. 
According to the Centers for Disease Control nearly 24 million 
Americans have diabetes. It is the seventh leading cause of death in 
the United States and costs $174 billion in health care expenses. 
Diabetes disproportionately impacts the African American and Hispanic 
communities. It is estimated that nearly 3.7 million African Americans 
aged 20 years or older have diabetes. African Americans are 1.8 times 
more likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.
  If diabetes is left untreated it often results in blindness, kidney 
disease, amputations, nerve damage, heart disease, stroke and 
ultimately, death. However, diabetes can be managed and prevented. A 
balanced diet and regular exercise could keep our citizens healthy. I 
am pleased to have the headquarters for the American Dietetic 
Association (ADA) in my Congressional District. The ADA is the foremost 
authority in providing nutrition counseling throughout the country. In 
fact, the more than 71,000 registered dietitians and nutrition 
professionals who are members support the ``eat right'' campaign 
targeted toward young people and older Americans. The work that they 
are doing is making a difference in the fight against childhood obesity 
and diabetes and is improving the health of our nation.
  We must work to get Medical Nutrition Therapy covered by Medicare for 
beneficiaries diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Nutrition therapy provided 
by registered dietitians has a proven track record of preventing 
diabetes through lifestyle changes than simply cannot be made without 
this assistance for the majority of those who suffer. There are more 
than 57 million people diagnosed with pre-diabetes--meaning they are on 
their way to developing full diabetes. By helping people with pre-
diabetes, Medicare will avoid having to pay for the much more expensive 
treatment of diabetes and its debilitating side effects. It seems 
prudent to assist our citizens with sound nutrition information and to 
help them make lifestyle changes at a cost minimal to that of 
amputations and other treatments.
  The real world impact of covering Medical Nutrition Therapy is that 
we will shift from health insurance to ``health assurance'' in our 
efforts. Consider that the total cost of diabetes in 2007 was 
determined to be $218 billion--yes, billion with a ``b''.
  I want to commend Jewel-Osco stores for providing free nutrition 
education from registered dietitians to individuals who shop at the 
stores in Chicago and throughout the nation. These types of programs 
which pair pharmacists and registered dietitians with consumers will 
help in our awareness and education campaign.
  Finally, I applaud those churches that have a focus on nutrition and 
exercise as a part of the well-being of their congregation.

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