DeGette introduces resolution recognizing November as American Diabetes Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Tom Reed (R-NY), co-chairs of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution today recognizing November as American Diabetes Month.

"More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and twice as many more are likely prediabetic," DeGette said. "We, as a nation, can and must do more to help prevent and treat this disease – and that includes raising awareness throughout the country about who is most at risk, the symptoms they should look out for and the importance of early detection."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 34.2 million Americans have diabetes, while an estimated 88 million more are likely prediabetic.

The resolution – cosponsored by fellow Diabetes Caucus members Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Susan DelBene (D-WA) and Susan Brooks (R-IN) – seeks to increase public awareness of the prevention and treatment options available.

It also seeks to reemphasize the importance of early detection when it comes to treating the disease and calls on Congress to address the barriers to health care that are leaving some of the most vulnerable communities at an increased risk of developing the disease.

A copy of the resolution is available here.