Senator Roth Spotlights the Need for Type 1 Diabetes Education

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) community celebrated the unanimous, bipartisan approval of Senator Richard D. Roth’s Senate Bill 138 by the Senate Education Committee. Senate Bill 138 will shed more light on this disease by requiring school districts to work with schools serving K-12 students to identify methods of informing parents and students about T1D, and will require schools to implement those methods.

“Type 1 Diabetes can be difficult to manage let alone diagnose. Failure to diagnose and begin treatments can have life-threatening ramifications. What we are asking for with this bill is that children and their parents have critical information made available to them,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “This will have a life-changing impact on anyone who may develop this potentially fatal disease.”

Bret Michaels offered high praise for SB 138.

“As a lifelong type 1 diabetic, I live it every day,” said Bret Michaels. “I am honored to be able to share my story and to offer my full support for Senator Roth’s Senate Bill 138 – a bill that not only could save countless lives but will improve people’s quality of lives until there is a cure.”

Debbie George, whose son’s story is the inspiration behind SB 138, shared her joy with the bill’s passage.

“Senate Bill 138 will bring education through our California school districts to our schools which is desperately needed,” said Debbie George. “Not only will SB 138 help raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes it will also educate the public which will ultimately saves lives, end misconceptions, and bring an understanding of this autoimmune disease.”

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune system disease – a person’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical for those with T1D; children tend to present acute symptoms. Once diagnosed, a child can receive an individualized health care plan coupling treatment with education, support and ongoing assessment of possible complications.

Senator Roth continued: “Lack of awareness and education can cost someone their life. We must empower parents to be informed advocates for their children by giving them the resources they need.”

# # #

Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.