A new state law brought forth by local Senator Bob Gordon requires the Department of Health to develop an action plan to help combat the impact of diabetes on New Jersey residents.
“Diabetes is a serious health issue. It affects nearly one-out-of-nine residents in New Jersey. If left untreated, it can cause severe complications,” said Gordon (D-Bergen/Passaic). “This law will bring together state agencies and stakeholders to develop a plan of action for the prevention and management of this disease. This is good for our residents and for our state.”
More than 650,000 state residents have been diagnosed with diabetes according to a 2011 report issued by the Virginia-based Institute for Alternative Futures. It's also believed that about 375,000 residents are undiagnosed. Serious health complications can arrive from the disease including cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure and retinal damage and other complications.
The law requires that the state Department of Health work with the Departments of Children and Families and Human Services to conduct biannual reports on the impact the disease has on programs and budgets as well as examining what the benefits are of current programs. The Department of Health will also create an action plan towards potential legislation and identify needs, costs and resources towards future plans.
New Jersey is the third state in the nation that requires a diabetes action plan. Kentucky and Texas have enacted this type of legislation and similar bills are pending in Michigan and North Carolina.
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