ATLANTA (February 23, 2016) | The Georgia General Assembly recognized individuals living with type 1 diabetes as part of the first Type 1 Diabetes Day at the State Capitol. Young adults diagnosed with the disease served as legislative pages during the day in an effort to raise awareness, and legislators received literature highlighting the challenges of living with the disease. Both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly passed resolutions to recognize Type 1 Diabetes Day at the Georgia State Capitol and honor advocate efforts.
“There are many characteristics that make type 1 and type 2 diabetes very distinct. In some cases, the required treatments are exclusive to one particular disease. The goal is to provide legislative colleagues with the education and background needed to tailor policy proposals specifically for each variation of the disease,” said Sen. Renee Unterman, chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to be here at the State Capitol and to educate the members of the General Assembly on the issues we face on a day to day basis as Georgians with type 1 diabetes. Even though this chronic disease challenges us, it does not stop us from achieving our hopes and dreams,” said Della “Trip” Stoner, an organizer of the day’s activities. Stoner also recognized the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for providing support for the day’s events, including the legislative pages.
Senate members were invited to participate in a House Health and Human Services Committee meeting in the afternoon. Dr. Jonathan Ownby and Dr. Bruce Bode of Atlanta Diabetes Associates, a metro Atlanta medical practice, were also in attendance. Atlanta Diabetes Associates is currently conducting research and clinical trials of advanced treatments for type 1 diabetes, including the artificial pancreas.
The Mayo Clinic’s definition of type 1 diabetes is as follows:
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. The far more common type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin. Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. But it can be managed. With proper treatment, people with type 1 diabetes can expect to live longer, healthier lives than did people with type 1 diabetes in the past.
Pages who served in the Senate on Type 1 Diabetes Day included Levi Barber, Hayden Kirk, Mary Morgan, Amanda Moore, Alexandra Muench, Melissa Muench, Jameson Murray, Grace Neal, and Jake Soles.
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For Immediate Release:
February 23, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028