WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, introduced the Minority Diabetes Initiative Act (H.R. 10193) today in honor of National Diabetes Month, which is celebrated in November. This bill will establish an initiative to provide grants to community-based organizations and other public and non-profit health care providers for diabetes prevention, care, and treatment programs in minority communities, which are disproportionately impacted by diabetes. The bill is cosponsored by 21 of the Congresswoman’s congressional colleagues and endorsed by the American Diabetes Association.

The Minority Diabetes Initiative Act will provide grants for a variety of diabetes-related health services, including public education on diabetes prevention and control, routine health care for diabetic patients, eye care, foot care, and treatment for kidney disease and other complications of diabetes.

“Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is having a severe impact on minority communities,” said Congresswoman Waters.

The American Diabetes Association reports that 6.9 percent of white adults, 9.1 percent of Asian American adults, 11.7 percent of Hispanic adults, 12.1 percent of African American adults, and 13.6 percent of American Indians/Alaskan Native adults have been diagnosed with diabetes. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calculated that compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic Americans are 50 percent more likely to die from diabetes, American Indians/Alaska Natives are 60 percent more likely to die from diabetes, and African Americans are twice as likely to die from the disease.

“Diabetes can lead to serious and sometimes deadly complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, and lower-limb amputations,” said Congresswoman Waters. “Minorities with diabetes often lack access to quality health care and are more likely to suffer from complications and even die from diabetes. This important legislation will help reduce the incidence of diabetes among minorities and enable those affected to live healthy and productive lives.”