A JOINT MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 AS "DIABETES AWARENESS DAY" AT THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, diabetes affects seventeen million Americans; and

WHEREAS, one in eleven adults in New Mexico has diabetes; and

WHEREAS, diabetes is the leading cause of lower limb amputation and end-stage kidney disease and blindness; and

WHEREAS, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the cost of diabetes to New Mexico exceeds nine hundred million dollars ($900,000,000) annually;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to recognize the American diabetes association, the New Mexico diabetes advisory council and other organizations, professionals and individuals for their work in providing leadership and caring for New Mexicans who are diabetic or who are at risk of becoming diabetic; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that February 26, 2003 be designated as "Diabetes Awareness Day" at the legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the department of health, the president of the American diabetes association and the members of the

New Mexico diabetes advisory council.