Posted: | November 10, 2023 12:32 PM |
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From: | Senator Rosemary M. Brown |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Juvenile Diabetes Day and JDRF Day in Pennsylvania |
In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution in recognition of November 15th 2023 as “Juvenile Diabetes Day” and “JDRF Day” in Pennsylvania. Nearly 1.4 million American children and adults have Type1 Diabetes (T1D), a serious disease that has no cure. T1D is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly and lasts a lifetime requiring them to take multiple injections of insulin daily or continually, infused through a pump. Research has come a long way but there is always more to be done. With more than $2.8 billion allocated to research since 1970, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the worldwide leader in funding research to cure T1D, and is committed to improving the lives of people with diabetes today and in the future. In addition, JDRF is committed to improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating critical breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications; and to fight the disease worldwide by helping to ensure those with diabetes have affordable access to care, treatment, and education. Early detection of T1D is possible using a blood autoantibody test. The presence of ≥2 autoantibodies constitute the diagnosis of early stage T1D. T1D screening and early detection, especially in children, minimizes the risks of a potentially life-threatening condition of diabetic ketoacidosis, empowers health care providers, people with diabetes, and caregivers, and may offer them time to develop the skills necessary to sustain optimal glycemic management2,3. This resolution is being introduced to bring awareness to juvenile type 1 diabetes and how it differs from other types and stages of diabetes, and especially to increase community awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and screening related to T1D. By doing this, we can improve the likelihood that people with T1D will get the attention and care they need before developing the disease and its devastating complications. Please join me in recognizing November 15th as “Juvenile Diabetes Day” and “JDRF Day”. We would like to encourage everyone to wear Blue on November 15th for Juvenile Diabetes Day, in which we are also acknowledging as “JDRF Day” in Pennsylvania. By wearing blue, you offer support and spread awareness. More details will be sent regarding the time and location of a group photo on the 15th to show your support and build statewide education. If you have questions regarding this resolution, please reach out to Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov. |
Introduced as SR210