News Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 23, 2004 |
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
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Statement by Tommy G. Thompson Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding Diabetes Alert Day
Today is the American Diabetes Association's 16th annual Diabetes Alert Day. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and cost the nation $132 billion in 2002. Approximately 18.2 million Americans have diabetes, yet 5.2 million of those people are unaware they are diabetic. Ten years ago, type 2 diabetes was almost never seen in children. Today, children represent over half of new cases.
This Monday, I am traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio, to hold the first of several town hall meetings focused on diabetes prevention. These meetings will allow me to gather input from all members of various communities and use that input to develop a National Diabetes Action Plan.
Last November, HHS launched the Diabetes Detection Initiative: Finding the Undiagnosed. This community-based effort seeks to identify persons with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and refer them for follow up blood testing and treatment, if appropriate.
Diabetes is an illness that requires our attention and resources in finding more effective treatments or a cure. Until that day comes, talking with your doctor about diabetes risks and early detection are vital methods in preventing possibly life-threatening complications such as: blindness, renal disease, severe nerve damage, heart disease, strokes, and even death.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or managed successfully through a healthy diet and moderate exercise. Diabetes is a fight we can win. Please join me in this fight.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Last Revised: March 23, 2004
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