OK HR1054

Proclaims Monday, April 4, 2016, as "Type 1 Diabetes Awareness Day" at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Designates the day to support the work of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) in research efforts to reduce the impact of Type 1 Diabetes and find a cure.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas stops producing insulin; approximately 30,000 children and adults are diagnosed annually in the United States.

Type 1 Diabetes accounts for $14.9 billion in annual healthcare costs in the United States and causes dependence on insulin injections or pumps for life, with risk of serious complications including blindness, stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

People with Type 1 Diabetes must monitor blood sugar six or more times daily and carefully balance insulin intake with eating, exercise, and stress.