Rep. Diaz to celebrate World Diabetes Day, present Blue Light
Award to Dr. Fadi Mansourati
STATE HOUSE — Rep. Grace Diaz (D – Dist. 11, Providence) will mark World Diabetes Day tomorrow to spread awareness about the effects and prevention of diabetes.
The event, which is hosted in cooperation with Healthcentric Advisors and other local partners, will take place virtually this year, with Representative Diaz presenting the Grace Diaz Blue Light Award to Dr. Fadi Mansourati. Every year the award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a positive difference in diabetes prevention and care in Rhode Island.
The event will include online presentations, discussions, question-and-answer session, and more. Those interested can sign up for free at https://bit.ly/riwdd2021.
Diabetes is growing at an epidemic rate in the United States. Nationwide, more than 30 million Americans have diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The annual event is an opportunity to increase awareness about diabetes as a potentially devastating disease both locally and nationally. Ultimately, the event seeks to empower people to manage their own health while living with diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Representative Diaz said it’s important to shed light on the growing number of minority groups affected by the disease.
“As a former diabetes educator, I am aware of the struggle many of these patients go through when they are diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes,” the representative said. “I am also aware of the growing problem in our minority communities, where information about the effects of this disease may not be as accessible as it should be. I am hoping this event will change that, and give people an opportunity to learn about support opportunities and prevention.”
Diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening illness that affects about 20 million Americans and more than 106,000 Rhode Islanders, according to the state Department of Health. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce hormone insulin. The more common Type 2 is defined as the body’s inability to produce or use insulin efficiently. Both types are marked by high levels of blood sugar.
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on Nov. 14 in order to keep the terrible illness in the public spotlight. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007.
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