Establishes a state diabetes coordinator within the department of health

The Coordinator would: (1) serve as the principle advisor to the Commissioner on ways to save lives, improve the quality of life and save money for taxpayers and patients by reducing the rates of diabetes and its complications; (2) develop a measurement for the incidence of diabetes; (3) develop and coordinate implementation of statewide strategy to reduce the incidence, progression and impact of diabetes and its complications in New York; (4) provide leadership and coordination between government agencies and across the public and private health sectors to ensure that diabetes-related programs and policies of the Department of Health are coordinated internally and with those of relevant Federal, State and local agencies with the goal of avoiding duplication of effort, maximizing impact and marshaling all governmental resources; and (5) coordinate public and private resources to develop and lead a public awareness campaign regarding the prevention and control of diabetes and its complications.

In addition, this legislation requires the Commissioner of the Department of Health, in consultation with the State Diabetes Coordinator, to report to the Governor and the Legislature on a state strategy to reduce the incidence, progression and impact of diabetes and its complications in New York. Biennial updates would also be required to be ,submitted by the Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the State Diabetes Coordinator.

The Commissioner of Agriculture would also be required to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature. This report would discuss ways in which food programs and nutrition support can better target concerns specific to those at risk for diabetes or those already diagnosed with diabetes whose complications could be reduced by a more effective diet.

Justification

Currently there are approximately 1,862,000 people living with diabetes in New York State. This represents almost a 50 percent increase since 2000. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three born in 2000 will develop diabetes - and this number increases to one in two among minority populations. The amount of severe complications associated with diabetes highlights the serious nature of this disease. These complications include: heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system damage, amputation, dental disease, pregnancy complication and sexual dysfunction. The monetary and emotional costs of this illness are felt throughout New York.

Approximately 200,000 people die from complications of this illness each year and it is estimated that yearly costs to treat those affected with this illness is approximately $13.1 billion.

Future projections estimate that by 2025, the number of New York citizens with diabetes will increase to 3,139,000. As the number of people afflicted with diabetes increases the costs for treatment of this illness and its complication will also increase. It is estimated that in 2025, treatment costs will rise to $22 billion statewide. A State Diabetes Coordinator will provide necessary leadership to efficiently and effectively maximize resources allocated for diabetes prevention and treatment. A State Diabetes Coordinator will update and modernize diabetes efforts throughout the state, ultimately saving lives and money of New York citizens.

Prior legislative history

2007/08 - A.10443 - Referred to Health

Fiscal implications for state and local government

Unknown.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.