MEDIA ADVISORY, April 7, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) --
WHAT: New statistics just released by American Diabetes Association
now point to heart disease and strokes as major contributors to
the death of diabetic patients. While high blood pressure and
cholesterol problems are already common in most diabetics,
statistics now show that 2 out of 4 people with the disease are
likely to die of heart disease and strokes.
Today, about 65 percent of deaths among people with
diabetes are due to heart disease and strokes.
THE BASIC FACTS ABOUT DIABETES:
-- About 18.2 million people -- 6.3 percent of the population
of the United States -- have diabetes
-- Almost 200,000 of those live in Conn.
-- About 206,000 people under 20 years of age have diabetes
-- Approximately one in every 500 children and adolescents has
type 1 diabetes
-- Studies indicate that type 2 diabetes is becoming more
common among Native American/American Indian, African
American and Hispanic and Latino children and adolescents
HOW WE'RE COMMUNICATING:
-- The CT Department of Public Health has unveiled a public
service television, radio and newspaper campaign, "Diabetes
Can Break Your Heart," to build awareness statewide
-- The CT Department of Public Health is offering a diabetes
survival guide to all Conn. residents
WHAT WE'D LIKE TO DISCUSS:
-- What is different about these statistics concerning heart
disease and strokes?
-- What should Conn. residents know about diabetes to
better equip them to manage the disease and to avoid heart
attacks and strokes?
WHO WE'D LIKE TO OFFER:
-- Dr. James Bernene, Chief of Medicine at New Britain General
Hospital, 860-224-5661