Continued Epidemic Rise in Diabetes and Prediabetes Shows Need for Immediate Congressional Action

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In light of startling new data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014, which show the relentless rise of diabetes and prediabetes in America, the Diabetes Advocacy Alliance™ (DAA) urges Congress to pass the National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act (H.R. 1074/S 539) this Congressional session.

This bill would create a commission comprised of diabetes experts, primary care physicians, other health care professionals, and representatives from the federal agencies most involved in diabetes research, prevention, and care.  The goal of the commission is to leverage federal investments in diabetes more cost effectively, in order to help improve the coordination and clinical care outcomes for people with diabetes and prediabetes.

Compared with figures released by the CDC in 2011, the new National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014, shows that the total number of people with diabetes has increased 13%, from 25.8 million to 29.1 million.  Similarly, the total number of adults with prediabetes has increased 9%, rising from 79 million to 86 million.

"These statistics underscore the need for urgent action in the fight against diabetes, which is one of the most costly diseases facing America today," said DAA Co-chair Tekisha Everette, American Diabetes Association.  Between 2008 and 2012, the total cost of diabetes rose 41%, from $176 million to $245 million.  Overall, one in every 10 health care dollars is spent on diabetes and its complications, while one in every three Medicare dollars goes for people with diabetes.  "With numbers like these, we can't afford not to act right now," said Everette.

The National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act offers Congress the opportunity to do something this year to address the growing diabetes epidemic and reduce the burden of the disease.  The Commission bill has the support of many within the community of diabetes-related organizations committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of care for people with diabetes, including the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, Endocrine Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Pediatric Endocrine Society, among others.

"This bill should be embraced by fiscally conscious members of both parties," said DAA Co-chair Tricia Brooks, Novo Nordisk Inc., "since its intent is to fully leverage the existing investment in diabetes, operate at no additional cost to the federal government, and sunset in three years."

Specifically, the Commission bill would help improve the quality of diabetes care by identifying gaps where new approaches are needed to improve diabetes care; eliminating duplication and conflicting efforts; and assisting in coordination across all federal agencies.

Additionally, the Commission bill would help leverage the significant federal investment in diabetes-related research by evaluating best practices and other resources and tools for diabetes health care professionals and patients.  It also would help improve the quality of diabetes care by evaluating the utilization and data collection mechanisms of existing programs, and by providing guidance on diabetes clinical care.

"With enactment of the National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act, Congress has a rare opportunity to show bipartisan support and take an important first step for improving the lives of the 29 million Americans living with diabetes," said DAA Co-chair Mary Pat Raimondi, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The DAA is a diverse group of 20 patient advocacy organizations, professional societies, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, and corporations, sharing a common goal to defeat diabetes. Members of the DAA currently include the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Association of Diabetes Educators, American Clinical Laboratory Association, American Diabetes Association, American Medical Association, American Optometric Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, Endocrine Society, Healthcare Leadership Council, Medicare Diabetes Screening Project, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, National Community Pharmacists Association, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk Inc., Pediatric Endocrine Society, Results for Life, VSP Vision Care, and YMCA of the USA.

Visit the DAA website at www.diabetesadvocacyalliance.org 

SOURCE Diabetes Advocacy Alliance