Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today expressed support for the American Diabetes Association’s efforts to help prevent diabetes and raise aware of this growing epidemic by proclaiming November to be American Diabetes Month in New York.

According to the American Diabetes Association, someone in the United States is diagnosed with this disease approximately every 21 seconds. More than 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, including over 2 million in New York State, and another 84 million are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Despite its prevalence, many do not perceive diabetes as a serious health threat that can lead to deadly complications.

This November, the American Diabetes Association is sounding the alarm and asking everyone to do something to raise awareness. From learning about one’s risk for the disease, to donating to support research for a cure, to writing a letter to diabetes about its impact, everyone can be part of changing the course of this deadly epidemic. Information on the letter writing campaign and diabetes statistics in the United States are attached.

Throughout the month, more information about diabetes will be available online or at 1-800-DIABETES.