U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek Recognizes American Diabetes Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) is joining the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in recognizing November as American Diabetes Month and is encouraging his constituents and all Floridians to learn more about the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of proper diabetes control.

In 2002, diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death for Floridians, and it is estimated that 9,000 Floridians die each year from the disease.

"American Diabetes Month is a perfect time to learn more about this disease and discuss with family members, community health advocates and medical practitioners the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes. Whether it be preventing the onset of diabetes through health education, physical fitness and proper diet, or learning to properly manage your diabetes, I encourage people to learn more about the disease, especially members of the African American community where diabetes is a serious and growing problem," said Congressman Meek.

Research indicates that African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes - 3.2 million or 13% of all African Americans 20 years or older have diabetes. Twenty-five percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 live with the disease. Moreover, African Americans are 1.8 times more likely than non- Hispanic whites to have diabetes.

Every week during November, the ADA will raise awareness about the importance of knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes, as well as its serious and life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputation. To help prevent this epidemic from growing further, ADA is highlighting some of the many faces affected by diabetes and the resources that are available from the ADA to the public. The campaign focuses on:

• Caregivers (November 1-3) Supporting a loved one with diabetes can present its own unique challenges.
• Employees (November 4-10) Promoting healthy lifestyles in the workplace can help to prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, saving companies thousands of dollars a year.
• Diabetes around the world (November 11-17) Worldwide over 246 million people have diabetes. By 2020, that number is expected to rise to 380 million.
• At-risk populations (November 18-24) One in two minorities born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime if current trends continue.
• Youth and Type 1 Diabetes (November 25-30) Youth diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have the most urgent need for care. The new ADA Planet D campaign will provide resources and networking to those youth and their families.

For additional information, visit the American Diabetes Association's website at www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2382).

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means and also sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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