New Law Aims To Reduce Indiana's High Diabetes Rates

Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signed the bill that creates a diabetes action plan. 

Indiana has a high diabetes rate, 11 percent of Hoosiers. An estimated one in three Hoosiers are pre-diabetic.  That's what spurred state lawmakers to pass legislation to find how to address the problem. 

Holcomb signed the legislation at the Indiana Minority Health Coalition in Indianapolis. He says the state has made progress on other health measures. 

"But this is one to be quite frank, that we have some catching up to do," Holcomb says. "We all know that here but we have to make sure we’re spreading the word."

READ MORE: Diabetes Impact Project Focuses On Place

Bill author, Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis) says diabetes education is part of the plan. 

"Diabetes is something that can be taken care of, it is not something that has to kill you necessarily, but it’s something that you have to work with and you have to wake up yourself," says Summers. 

The plan is required to be updated every two years until 2026. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration will develop the plan. They will gather data, identify ways to improve care and prevent diabetes, which can be done through diet and exercise.