WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES DIABETES DISPARITIES TOOLKIT
Washington, D.C. - November 18, 2011
Bringing attention to diabetes disparities and providing much-needed care to underserved communities is vitally important to the nation's health. Diabetes affects millions of Americans, impacting all people despite class, education, financial status, and ethnic boundaries. And, with increased frequency, gaps in healthcare exists affecting particular populations, challenging the way people with diabetes understand information and impeding access to much-needed treatment.
Marjorie Maginn, President of Women In Government states, "With over 26 million adults and children with diabetes, and a growing number of people with pre-diabetes, its wide-reaching impact can be felt throughout the nation. But we must also shine a light on groups disproportionately affected by the disease."
Women In Government's launches the Diabetes Disparities Toolkit in order to educate, empower, and engage policymakers and key stakeholders to better address needs in access to diabetes care, health literacy, and preventive resources. The Diabetes Disparities Toolkit includes: fact sheets; prevalence data; sample disparities legislation; zero-cost solutions; evidence-based programs; and resources to address diabetes disparities. Women In Government's Diabetes Policy Resource Center will continue efforts to promote awareness, programs, and models of diabetes management and prevention that help improve quality of life for patients with diabetes.
According to Maginn, "Policymakers need support in designing a health system that those disproportionately affected by diabetes can use effectively."
It is estimated that eliminating health disparities among at-risk diabetes populations could save each state $80 to $225 million dollars a year in diabetes-related healthcare costs. Approximately 27 percent of people aged 65 and older have diabetes. Diabetes is also more common in specific regions and has been highest in the Southern parts of the United States. Sadly, certain ethnic groups are also at greater risk. For example, compared to non-Hispanic white adults, Asian-Americans have an 18 percent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Hispanics are at 66 percent higher risk, and non-Hispanic blacks are at 77 percent greater risk.
To Access the Diabetes Disparities Toolkit Visit: http://www.womeningovernment.org/diabetes/disparities-toolkit
