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11/9/2016
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Rep. Diaz invites public to State House to observe World Diabetes Day
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 STATE HOUSE — Rep. Grace Diaz (D – Dist. 11, Providence) is inviting the public to an event at the State House on Monday, Nov. 14, to spread awareness about the effects and prevention of diabetes.
The event, which is hosted by Representative Diaz, along with Representatives Robert E. Craven (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown), John J. Lombardi (D-Dist. 8, Providence) K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), Robert B. Lancia (R-Dist. 16, Cranston) and officials from the Department of Health and other agencies, will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In Rhode Island, 29,700 adults may have diabetes without knowing it. Recent numbers show an additional 76,300 individuals are estimated to have diabetes. A total of 106,000 adults are estimated to have diabetes, a reduction from the previous year.
The public is invited to the second floor, where educational exhibits outside the State Room will provide information for Rhode Islanders to help them determine their risk for the development of pre-diabetes, and what they can do to prevent or delay this disease. Information promoting healthy lifestyle options, and available resources and programs to prevent or effectively manage diabetes will be provided. Lifespan Community Health Services will also provide glucose testing to the public.
Live entertainment will be provided by Brown Lion Dance. Proceeds generated from the event will be donated to Providence Backpackers, which provides food for children on the weekends.
Representative Diaz, who also serves as a diabetes educator, said it’s important to shed light on the growing number of minority groups affected by the disease.
“As a diabetes educator, I am aware of the struggle many of these patients go through when they are diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes,” the representative said. “I am also aware of the growing problem in our minority communities, where information about the effects of this disease may not be as accessible as it should be. I am hoping this event will change that, and give people an opportunity to learn about support opportunities and prevention.”
Later that night, the State House dome will be illuminated in blue in honor of World Diabetes Day.
Diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening illness that affects about 20 million Americans and more than 106,000 Rhode Islanders, according to the state Department of Health. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce hormone insulin. The more common Type 2 is defined as the body’s inability to produce or use insulin efficiently. Both types are marked by high levels of blood sugar.
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on Nov. 14 in order to keep the terrible illness in the public spotlight. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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