Diabetes Caucus Formed, Local Lawmaker Trying to Raise Awareness

State lawmakers formed a bipartisan legislative Diabetes Caucus Thursday to bring heightened awareness to the growing diabetes epidemic in Illinois.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, along with State Representatives Mike Tryon, R-Crystal Lake and Jim Durkin, R-LaGrange, are on the steering committee and the topic is personal to the three lawmakers.

“Diabetes is a disease that affects a growing number of Illinois families each year,” Cross said. “Today almost 10% of Illinoisans suffer from either Type I or Type II diabetes, and this new caucus will bring a bipartisan approach to diabetes prevention, awareness and treatment.”

Tryon was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 2006.

“Living with diabetes has been life-changing,” said Tryon. “Through my own research I have found that many Illinois families struggle to find sufficient information and resources that can help them manage symptoms and maintain a maximum quality of life.”

Cross and Durkin each have family members with diabetes. Both have children with Type I diabetes.

“The steering committee is off to a great start and we’ve been meeting regularly since January,” Durkin said. “I have no doubt that this caucus will provide many tools to help families manage the symptoms and care of their loved ones.”

Representative Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago) represents District 4, which includes Humboldt Park. According to Soto, Humboldt Park has been identified as the community with the highest percentage of people living with diabetes in the state. “Along with my colleagues and diabetes caucus members, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and bring clear awareness and education to our state and to the people and families affected by this issue,” she said.

Cross said an invitation will be extended to other legislators to join the caucus. He also said they have been approached by many corporate and non-profit agencies that are willing to help with outreach efforts.

According to Cross, the steering committee’s goals include:

-Seek needed legislation and evaluate filed legislation that affects people with diabetes.

-Promote prevention education, available treatments and public programs that assist people with diabetes.

-Reach out to agencies that assist people with diabetes.

-Engage in outreach efforts between the caucus, its supporting agencies and people who suffer from diabetes.