Yang Rohr Highlights Diabetes Awareness Month

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – As a part of her continued efforts to support those suffering with or at risk of diabetes, state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is using Diabetes Awareness Month as an opportunity to encourage diabetes screening, management and prevention.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), approximately 1.3 million adults in Illinois have diabetes and around 341,000 of those do not know they have it. This gap in knowledge makes diabetes screening essential to protecting the health of all Illinoisans. Individuals at risk of diabetes should contact their primary care provider to schedule diabetes screening.

“Diabetes can cause serious medical complications if left untreated, but there are several prevention and treatment methods available to improve health outcomes,” Yang Rohr said.
“Diabetes management and prevention is one of many reasons why I continue to fight for reducing healthcare costs and increasing healthcare accessibility.”

Yang Rohr was the chief co-sponsor of a measure that requires insurers to cover A1C and vitamin D tests recommended by health care providers for people who have or may have prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The measure passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor. The measure will take effect in 2022.

“Affordable, accessible, preventative health screenings have the potential to reduce the number of diabetes patients in Illinois,” said Yang Rohr. “I urge everyone to take Diabetes Awareness Month as an opportunity to take advantage of these healthcare measures to live longer, healthier lives.”

For more information on diabetes prevention and treatment, visit www.dph.illinois.gov.