luetkemeyer.house.gov

Luetkemeyer, Blaine

Washington, November 16, 2018 -

Do you know what disease affects 13.4% of the adult population in Missouri, costs our state $6.7 billion dollars and increases the risk of death by 50%? Approximately 689,000 Missourians have diabetes, joining the more than 30 million Americans who suffer from the disease. Diabetes is taking a toll on healthcare resources in Missouri and across the nation. More importantly, if not properly treated it can be life-threatening. 

November is recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month, an opportunity to educate the public on prevention and management of the disease. More than 30 million Americans have the three major types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. In addition, there are also 84.1 million Americans affected by prediabetes, a condition where someone has elevated blood sugar levels, but not high enough to qualify as type 2 diabetes.  This is an enormous threat to the health of our friends, families, and communities.

Since coming to Congress I have been a member of the Congressional Caucus on Diabetes. The Caucus is the biggest advocate in the House for people suffering with diabetes and leads the support for legislative action to improve diabetes research, education, and treatment. This includes additional funding for agencies like the National Institutions of Health and the Centers for Disease Control to invest in medical research to prevent and treat diseases such as diabetes.  The research performed at NIH and CDC has led to unbelievable medical breakthroughs and saved the lives of millions of Americans. 

Over the last 20 years, the number of adults with diabetes has more than tripled in the United States. Diabetes is an everyday reality for millions of Americans, including our family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues. In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, I hope you will reach out to your loved ones and urge them to learn more about the disease and take preventative measures to stay healthy. Please visit The Centers for Disease Control, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, and the American Diabetes Association websites, where you can find resources regarding diabetes prevention and management.