Sen. Franken Announces Expansion For Diabetes Prevention Program
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Nearly 30 million people in America have diabetes. The chronic disease can lead to cardiovascular and kidney problems, as well as glaucoma and loss of vision.
Minnesota Senator Al Franken announced Wednesday an expansion of a diabetes prevention program. The focus is on reducing Type 2 Diabetes in seniors as part of Affordable Care.
Pilot projects involving a change in diet and exercise show success.
"You had a 70 percent better chance of not becoming diabetic than someone who did not go through the program. In other words, this program works and it saves a whole bunch of money for Medicare," Franken said.
In fact, the pilot project found Medicare saved more than $2,600 per person enrolled in the Diabetes Prevention Program.