2010-13

Urging Support for Diabetes Awareness and Testing Among Hispanic Communities

Representative Pedro Marin (GA), Representative Mario Goico

Short Title: Hispanic diabetes

WHEREAS, Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and accidents (unintentional injuries); and

WHEREAS, the American Diabetes Association estimates that 23.6 million adults and children in the U.S. have diabetes. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death among Hispanics in the United States and is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations; and

WHEREAS, today, one in ten Hispanics has diabetes; one in four is unaware they have diabetes. Overall prevalence of diabetes in Hispanics was almost twice that of non-Hispanics whites in the age group 18 to 44 years; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the at risk patient population is a significant concern, there is an equal concern of epidemic proportions – nearly half of those who have already been diagnosed with the disease are not reaching their blood glucose target levels - A1c levels - using a blood test that measures blood sugar control over a three month period; and

WHEREAS,not gaining control of blood glucose levels and not achieving target A1c levels puts these patients at risk for serious complications including cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney disease and dialysis, and nerve damage and amputation; and

BE IT RESOLVED,that November 14, 2010 is recognized by the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators as world diabetes day and November as Diabetes Awareness month; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators supports awareness campaigns and public education programs on management and recognition of symptoms of diabetes and once diagnosed urges them to work with their healthcare providers to gain control of their blood glucose levels and to manage and prevent complications caused by diabetes.

Further be resolved, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators supports efforts to educate providers about treatment standards tailored to individual patients; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, through its initiatives, plays a vital role in supporting healthcare among Hispanic diabetics that require regular A1C testing; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators supports programs and educational information that enhances availability of culturally sensitive healthcare, thus resulting in more impactful healthcare delivery..

Sponsored By: Representative Pedro Marin (GA), Representative Mario Goico

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY NHCSL AND RATIFIED AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS NOVEMBER 13TH, 2010.