From Harford County government:
Harford County Executive David R. Craig has issued a proclamation in observance of Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 22, 2011. According to statistics released by the United Health Group’s Center for Health Reform and Modernization, more than 50% of Americans could have diabetes by the year 2020.
Currently health professionals estimate that more than 26 million people in the United States have diabetes, but more than five million others are not aware they have the disease.
United Health also estimates that diabetes and prediabetes are expected to account for approximately 10% of total health care spending by the end of the decade and annual costs will approach nearly $500 billion – up from the estimated $194 billion in 2010.
“I have been proud to support public education and efforts to increase awareness of health issues related to diabetes since I served in the Maryland State Senate. I encourage everyone to help stop this terrible life-changing disease by making healthy lifestyle choices and providing support to those suffering from diabetes,” Craig remarked.
Individuals with undiagnosed diabetes may experience damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys and limbs, without producing any symptoms. Increasing community awareness of the risk factors and symptoms related to diabetes can improve the likelihood that people with the disease will get the attention they need before suffering devastating complications.
Former Board member and life-long volunteer for the American Diabetes Association, Paula S. Yutzy, RN, BSPA, CDE stated, “In 1997 then Senator Craig and I worked together to help make Maryland the 13th state to enact legislation requiring insurers cover diabetes equipment, supplies and education. Today County Executive Craig once again recognizes the great public health problem that diabetes poses for our county, state and nation, by proclaiming March 22, 2011 as Diabetes Alert Day.”
For more information about the health risks of diabetes, call 1-800-DIABETES or to take the Diabetes Risk Test, visit the website at www.diabetes.org/risktest.
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