A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE Department of Health and Human Services FOR DIABETES AWARENESS AND DETECTION ACTIVITIES.
Whereas, the prevalence of diabetes increased among North Carolinians by 75% between 1995 and 2003; and
Whereas, the number of people with diabetes in North Carolina has surpassed 650,000 and continues to increase with the rise in obesity; and
Whereas, an estimated 340,900 North Carolinians have prediabetes (glucose intolerance), and
Whereas, diabetes is responsible for approximately 14,500 hospitalizations per year and more than 2,900 lower extremity amputations in North Carolina; and
Whereas, in 2002, diabetes was the fifth leading cause of death in North Carolina, resulting in 2,204 deaths; and
Whereas, in 2002, estimated hospitalization costs for people with diabetes totaled more than $2,400,000,000, and costs are increasing; and
Whereas, new research has demonstrated that control of blood sugar levels decreases the risk of diabetes‑related complications such as blindness, amputations, kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes; and
Whereas, new research has also demonstrated that physical activity and minimal weight loss can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%; and
Whereas, American Indian and African‑American populations have higher proportions of people affected by diabetes than Caucasian populations, 19.4%, 12.2%, and 7.2%, respectively; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the 2004‑2005 fiscal year.  These funds shall be used to conduct an awareness campaign to raise diabetes awareness in the State's most at‑risk communities.  Funds may be used for radio spots, posters and brochures, agency fees, and a dedication toll‑free telephone line.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2004.