Posted: | September 28, 2017 12:03 PM |
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From: | Representative Maureen E. Madden |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution recognizing November 2017 as “National Diabetes Month” |
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution recognizing November 2017 as “National Diabetes Month” in Pennsylvania. Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high blood sugar. When a person has diabetes, their body either does not create enough insulin or is unable to utilize its own insulin as well as it should. When blood sugar builds up in the body and its levels are not controlled, it can lead to serious health complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, amputations of the legs and feet, and early death. In 2015, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 30.3 million Americans, or 9.4 percent of the population, had diabetes in 2015. Type 1 diabetes, previously known as juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and affects 5% of the population with diabetes – or approximately 1.25 million people. Although type 1 diabetes is a serious and life-threatening disease, children and young adults can learn to manage type 1 diabetes and live long, healthy lives with the help of insulin therapy and other treatments. In an effort to focus the nation’s attention on this ever-growing disease, November has been recognized as “National Diabetes Month.” Advocates nationwide join together as a united community during this time to raise awareness, promote ongoing diabetes education, and support those living with this disease. By recognizing “National Diabetes Month” in the Commonwealth, we are promoting healthy disease management and encouraging Pennsylvanians to take an active role in their health. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution. |
Introduced as HR547