Members of Congress Join American Diabetes Association to Experience 'Day With Diabetes'

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Map) - Two members of Congress, Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE) and Rep. Zack Space (D-OH) this week took part in a "Day With Diabetes" -- a demonstration sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to illustrate what it is like to live with diabetes and keep it properly managed. Tuesday and Wednesday, ADA volunteers with diabetes shadowed Reps. Castle and Space and assisted them with their diabetes management. During the day, the Congressmen took their diabetes "medication," performed finger sticks, and addressed meal choices, all in an effort to manage their blood glucose levels and keep their diabetes under control. Prior to their "Day with Diabetes," Castle and Space met with certified diabetes educator (CDE) Cherrel Christian, and a registered dietician (RD), Janet Jones, in Washington, DC to discuss their diagnosis of diabetes and treatment plan. Both women volunteered their time and are part of an ADA-recognized diabetes education program run through Prince George's Hospital in Cheverly, MD.

"It's important for members of Congress to truly understand the personal impact diabetes has on millions of Americans," said Ann Albright, Ph.D., RD, and President, Health Care and Education of the American Diabetes Association. "They are fighting this disease daily in order to stay healthy and prevent serious and costly complications. Standing in their shoes for a day is a meaningful way to foster greater awareness of diabetes."

Castle, who is co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, was "diagnosed" with type 1 diabetes and was shadowed by CJ Jones, who has had type 1 diabetes for 30 years. Jones joined Castle in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware. Space, whose son has type 1 diabetes, was "diagnosed" with type 2 diabetes and was shadowed by Bertha Garbrandt, who has had type 2 diabetes for nine years. Garbrandt joined Space in St. Clairsville and Tuscarawas County, Ohio on Tuesday

In September, Castle and Space will hold a Congressional briefing -- along with Jones and Campbell -- to recount their experience living with diabetes for a day. The "Day with Diabetes" was held in collaboration with CVS Pharmacy, an ADA National Strategic Partner, which supplied the diabetes management tools used by the Congressmen and will sponsor the September briefing.

Diabetes is one of this nation's most prevalent, debilitating, deadly and costly diseases. Nearly 21 million American children and adults live with diabetes, and another 54 million have pre-diabetes. According to the CDC, one in three Americans -- and one in two minorities -- born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime, if current trends continue. Every year, diabetes contributes to over 224,000 deaths.

The ADA is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The Association's advocacy efforts include helping to combat discrimination against people with diabetes; advocating for the increase of federal diabetes research and programs; and improved access to, and quality of, healthcare for people with diabetes. The ADA's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association provides service to hundreds of communities across the country. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.