Diabetes affects 30 million - one in eleven - people in the U.S. and at least doubles their risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular complications.
The burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease is devastating among people of color. In the seminal report, "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care," the Institute of Medicine noted that African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanics experience a 50-100 percent higher burden of illness and death from diabetes than white Americans. African Americans also have the highest prevalence of high blood pressure in the world, a common comorbidity with type 2 diabetes, greatly increases cardiovascular risks.
The co-occurrence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease contributes to reduced life expectancy of 5 to 15 years, depending on the age at diabetes diagnosis. Yet, less than half of people with diabetes are aware that they are at a much higher risk for cardiovascular disease complications.
Action starts with awareness.
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease invites you to please join us for a luncheon discussion on the co-occurrence of diabetes and heart disease, and related health disparities.
Featured speakers include:
Ken Thorpe, PhD, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
Dr. Kathie Hermayer, Medical University of South Carolina
Gary Puckrein, PhD, National Minority Quality Forum
Jane Dyson, DiabetesSisters
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29
12:30 pm
Washington, D.C.
DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
ROOM SD-G11
*RSVP*