Local lawmakers help create diabetes group

SPRINGFIELD — In 2006, Crystal Lake Rep. Michael Tryon received the bad news many Illinoisans also are hearing — he had Type 2 diabetes.

Five years later, Tryon and a group of Illinois lawmakers are ready to take on a disease that affects many of the state’s citizens. Tryon, along with a team of lawmakers, announced a diabetes caucus Thursday that will pursue policy to help educate and provide resources for the public to fight the disease.

“It’s important to realize that this is an epidemic,” he said. “About 8 percent of the population in every district is affected by diabetes and it’s just a growing number ... and a lot of it has to do with obesity.”

While the caucus is in its beginning stages, Tryon said the group already has some legislation proposals and plans on coordinating a children’s diabetes camp over the summer.

Tryon is not the only suburban lawmaker who has been personally affected by diabetes. House Republican Leader Tom Cross has a daughter who has Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is often known as juvenile diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is developed over time, often from poor nutrition.

The Oswego Republican also helped his colleague Rep. Jim Durkin when he was told his daughter had Type 1 diabetes as well.

Durkin, a Western Springs Republican, said it’s important for people to be educated about proper care for those with diabetes as it’s a full-time commitment. He said he has to check his daughter’s glucose level seven to eight times a day, including throughout the night.

“You don’t really think about these things until it hits your home,” Durkin said.