Health

Governor Quinn, Minority Leader Cross mark Diabetes Awareness Day

By WEEK Reporter

Governor Quinn, Minority Leader Cross mark Diabetes Awareness Day

November 14, 2012 Updated Nov 14, 2012 at 12:31 PM CDT

PEORIA, Ill -- Governor Pat Quinn and House Minority Leader Tom Cross joined advocates from the Illinois Diabetes Policy Coalition to mark the first Diabetes Awareness Day in Illinois.

Illinois residents can get free diabetes screening available across the state today.

"Knowledge is power and being proactive about diabetes can save lives and help so many people who don't know about all the treatment options they have," Quinn said.

In July, Quinn signed a bill that officially designated November 14th as Diabetes Awareness Day in Illinois.

According to a press release from the Governor's office, 800,000 Illinois residents live with diabetes.

The disease is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease, non-traumatic lower limb disease, heart disease, stroke and new cases of blindness.

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