Maureen Reed for Congress

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is an issue that is very important to me personally and is a pressing concern for our nation. As a physician for 12 years at the Fremont Community Clinic in north Minneapolis, I served numerous patients who were un- and under insured and were forced to delay health treatment because they could not afford it.

A number of my patients had to delay their diabetes treatment due to the cost, with especially disastrous results. I remember so vividly one man in his early fifties who had no insurance. Together we struggled to control his blood sugar and blood pressure on free drugs the clinic had received. But because our clinic's supply was not steady or predictable, we were constantly changing his medications. One day he broke down in tears as he described the advancing numbness in his feet. We both knew the nerves in his leg were being damaged by poorly controlled diabetes.

The hardships my former patients faced are exactly the reason we need to enact meaningful healthcare reform as soon as possible. Our goals must be firm; we need to cover everyone, and we need to cut costs. When in Congress, I will make sure that no American has to delay their diabetes or other health care due to cost.

Today, 24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes. Obesity is the biggest risk factor for Type 2 diabetes with 57 million Americans at risk. If current trends continue, 1 out of every 3 children born today face a future with diabetes. This trend can change. We can do better. As your next Congresswoman, I will make sure we all do better and live healthier lives.

To learn more about local events and what you can do, you can visit the American Diabetes Association or for more information from the National Institute of Health click here.

I hope you will join me this month in raising awareness about this important issue.

Sincerely,

Maureen