November 2024: Diabetes Awareness Month

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 38.4 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes and an estimated 97.6 million adults have prediabetes; and,

WHEREAS, an estimated 916,000 Michigan adults have been diagnosed with diabetes and over 3 million adults across the state are estimated to have prediabetes; and,

WHEREAS, there are significant disparities in diabetes prevalence in Michigan: Non-Hispanic Black adults (16.3%) have a higher prevalence compared to non-Hispanic white adults (11.4%), adults with disabilities (20.1%) are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than adults without disabilities (8.3%); and 46.4% of adults 65 years and older are at risk for diabetes; and,

WHEREAS, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, diabetes poses a severe economic burden in Michigan - people with diagnosed diabetes have medical expenditures about 2.6 times higher than people without diabetes; and,

WHEREAS, uncontrolled diabetes puts people at risk for serious complications including cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney disease and dialysis, nerve damage and amputation; and,

WHEREAS, research shows that people at high risk for diabetes can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes by staying at a healthy weight, eating well, and being active; and the Diabetes Prevention Program is available as a covered benefit at no charge for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries; and,

WHEREAS, learning how to self-manage this condition through self-management education is a cornerstone of treatment; and,

WHEREAS, best practice guidelines to treat diabetes include, but are not limited to insulin, oral medication, diet, physical activity, and daily self-management routines; and,

WHEREAS, the Diabetes Partners in Action Coalition and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with their partner organizations, have come together to increase awareness and focus efforts to prevent and/or decrease the adverse effects of diabetes in the state of Michigan while focusing on health equity and working to reduce health disparities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as Diabetes Awareness Month in Michigan.