Recognizing March 24, 2026 as “National Diabetes Alert Day 2026” in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting how the body processes blood sugar, and if left unmanaged, can lead to serious health complications including heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, stroke, and lower limb amputations; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in three adults in the United States have prediabetes, and approximately eight out of ten of those individuals are unaware of their condition, highlighting the importance of early awareness and preventive care; and

WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, diabetes remains a significant health concern, with the state Department of Health reporting that over 11 percent of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, and many more may be at risk for developing the condition; and

WHEREAS, National Diabetes Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March as a one day “wakeup call,” encouraging individuals to take the simple one minute Diabetes Risk Test and to learn more about how they can reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Department of Health and its community partners are committed to raising awareness about diabetes, promoting evidence based preventive programs such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program, and supporting all Rhode Islanders in making healthy lifestyle choices to improve long-term health; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes March 24, 2026 as “National Diabetes Alert Day 2026”, and commends the Rhode Island Department of Health and its community partners for their tireless efforts to educate and empower residents, and encourages all Rhode Islanders to learn about their diabetes risk, pursue preventive care, and make positive health choices; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to send a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Jerome Larkin, MD.