More than 4.7 million people in Illinois have or are at risk for with diabetes, and that number only continues to grow. Beyond that, nearly 1 in 2 Americans has diabetes or prediabetes. November is dedicated to bringing awareness to those startling statistics.
Our country’s diabetes epidemic includes the ever-growing number of people with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. With the knowledge that this disease is hurting too many people, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) is committed to fighting diabetes through a focus on advocacy, education, and research. If you are an individual living with diabetes, if you are a parent, caregiver, health care provider, or an individual worried about your risk, the ADA has a wealth of resources to support you.
Many people are not aware they have prediabetes or even type 2 diabetes. Whether for your own information or to share with another, please consider taking the ADA’s free 60-second risk test!
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has backed legislation to bring awareness to the Diabetes epidemic in the state legislature, including the following bills that drive awareness to diabetes and help those who are diabetic:
HB 3690 – Provides that teachers, administrators, and school support personnel must be trained on the basics of diabetes care
HB 3172– Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Removes a provision prohibiting a person from being accepted for residency to an assisted living establishment if the person requires sliding scale insulin administration unless self-performed or administered by a licensed health care professional.
HB 2189 – Creates the Access to Affordable Insulin Act. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall offer a discount program that allows participants to purchase insulin at a discounted, post-rebate price.