"Keeping New Yorker's healthy and assisting them in living long, healthy lives has been a priority and that is why we've worked so hard to make our health care system one of the best in the nation," Governor Pataki said. "Diabetes is a serious public health problem that is best dealt with through early detection, self-management and education and this statewide initiative builds on our commitment to increasing public awareness about diabetes and educating families on how best to detect and manage this disease."

The partnerships receiving awards today will provide services and support to communities that are most at risk for a higher prevalence of diabetes among New Yorkers. An estimated 960,000 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with diabetes and hundreds of thousands more unknowingly have the disease, but remain undiagnosed.

While diabetes affects people of all ages, race and ethnicity, studies indicate that African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans represent a disproportionate number of those individuals who are impacted by the disease. Other individuals at increased risk for developing diabetes are those who are overweight or obese, older, have a family history of diabetes, or do not exercise regularly. Diabetes may also cause complications for pregnant women and their babies.

In 2000, the Governor dedicated approximately $1.7 million to a public health initiative designed to address the diabetes-related needs of New Yorkers at highest risk for the disease. As part of New York's diabetes control and prevention initiative, the $700,000 in new funding this year has been provided to community-based organizations throughout the state.

State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H said, "I commend the Governor for his ongoing support of public health initiatives like the diabetes prevention and control initiative announced today. Diabetes can be best controlled by adhering to a healthy diet, being physically active, taking medications as prescribed and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly. We are committed to ensuring that New Yorkers have access to the education and health care they need to prevent the onset of diabetes, and for those who now have the disease, manage and maintain their health. These grants help us accomplish this priority."

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