We Need a National Plan to Fight Diabetes
The Centers for Disease Control released some startling statistics about diabetes in America: One in three Americans will be affected by diabetes by mid-century. That's up drastically from their previous estimate of one in 10.
We don't know everything about diabetes, but we do know there are things individuals and communities can do to lower their risk. Small lifestyle changes like weight loss, more exercise and healthier eating can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
If we expand diabetes prevention programs that are already in place, we can reach millions of Americans at serious risk for diabetes and save $191 billion in long-term health care costs.
We're fast approaching an unsustainable diabetes epidemic. We need a national plan to stop it. Tell Congress to expand the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
Dear [Decision Maker],
The Centers for Disease Control's new estimate of diabetes prevalence is disturbing. It's now predicted that one in three Americans will be affected by diabetes by 2050, up from a previous estimate of one in 10. We need a national plan to curb this epidemic.
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For individuals with prediabetes, modest lifestyle changes, like increasing physical activity, eating healthier and losing weight can reduce one's risk for developing diabetes by 58 percent. We must educate and help individuals and communities reduce their risk for diabetes.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program could reach 25 percent of the 57 million Americans living with prediabetes and save all of us nearly $191 billion in health care costs. This program must be expanded as outlined in the health care reform law and funded at $80 million. Please work to expand the reach of these programs to stop the diabetes epidemic.
