Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent, dangerous, yet preventable diseases in Michigan. It is estimated that nearly 8 percent of Michigan residents over the age of 18 have this disease, making it the state's sixth leading cause of death.
To lesson the burden of diabetes, the state of Michigan created the Diabetes and Kidney Programs line in its budget. One of the most effective programs to come from this line is the Michigan Diabetes Outreach Networks (DON). The DON program consists of six regional networks throughout Michigan that help build community partnerships to strengthen diabetes prevention, detection and treatment.
Despite the program's success, its existence may be in jeopardy. In March, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health proposed to cut the Healthy Michigan Fund almost in half. This fund provides the primary revenue for the Diabetes and Kidney Programs line.
If diabetes programs are cut, fewer resources will be allocated for these effective programs in diabetes prevention, detection and care improvement. Undetected or unmanaged diabetes puts people at high risk for heart disease, kidney disease, amputations and premature death. These programs reach out to the poor and underserved communities.
If you want to keep the Michigan Diabetes Outreach Networks and other effective programs intact, there is something you can do to help. Write to your state representative and state senator and tell them you want Michigan to maintain funding for the Diabetes and Kidney Programs line and the Healthy Michigan Fund.
Your letter could help Michigan residents prevent and manage diabetes, or even save a life.
For more information on diabetes or to find your local Diabetes Outreach Network please visit www.diabetesinmichigan.org.
About the authors: Julie Shippy, RN, BSN, CDE, is the program director at TIPDON Northern Michigan's Diabetes Outreach Network. Ann Scott, RN, MSN, serves as diabetes educator.
About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.
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