ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 59

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 22, 2024

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 59.

      This joint resolution would establish the month of November of each year as “Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Awareness Month” in New Jersey in order to raise awareness of the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and encourage education and improved public understanding in regard to the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.            Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not properly produce or use the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar.  The condition affects more than 29 million Americans and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, with more than seven million Americans undiagnosed and more than 5,000 Americans diagnosed each day.  Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, representing an estimated 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed adult cases. 

      Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death associated with diabetes and accounts for 68 percent of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes.  People with type 2 diabetes also have a much higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the first place.  Yet findings from a recent study reveal that 52 percent of adults living with type 2 diabetes are unaware of this increased risk.

      There are significant costs associated with the treatment of patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and Medicare expenditures for this population in the State total nearly $1.5 billion for 5,481 beneficiaries.  By increasing public awareness and providing education about the cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes, the State can improve the overall outcome of, and reduce the financial burdens associated with, the illness.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.