Legislative Diabetes Caucus co-chair releases statement on World Diabetes Day

Legislative Diabetes Caucus co-chair, Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement Monday on World Diabetes Day.

“The Legislative Diabetes Caucus is proud and grateful to be partnering with Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Blood Institute, and other advocates to host ‘Turn Blue for Diabetes’ events around the state for World Diabetes Day. This disease impacts around 374,000 adults in our state with an estimated 27,000 more diagnosed each year. While the disease is treatable and often preventable, it remains the seventh leading cause of death for Oklahomans, so it’s critical that we help educate citizens about prevention, support services, and treatment options through advocacy events like this.

“As a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, I know the struggles, fears, and frustration faced by patients and their families. I’m proud of the great strides our Legislative Diabetes Caucus has made in improving education, access, and services for Oklahomans with diabetes, but our work is far from over and we have big goals for the 2023 legislative session to continue improving the lives of those with diabetes.  

“While many buildings and structures around the state will be lit blue on November 14 for this special day, and advocates will be wearing blue as well, we want to encourage Oklahomans to consider wearing blue throughout Diabetes Awareness Month and join us in sharing life-saving diabetes resources on social media to help our fellow Oklahomans and prevent any more tragic deaths, medical complications, or suffering.”

-END-

For more information, contact:  Sen. Hicks: (405) 521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov