Velazquez Praises Changes to Federal Diabetes Rules

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has filed comments in support of a proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Included in the new rule is an initiative increasing screening for diabetes among Asian American populations by lowering the body mass index (BMI) diabetes threshold for Asian beneficiaries.

“This new rule would enhance screening and allow for earlier intervention among Asian Americans with diabetes,” Velázquez noted. “This will mean improved health outcomes for Asian Americans who suffer from diabetes.”

The American Diabetes Association modified their recommended BMI threshold for Asian Americans in 2015. This recommendation has been included as a risk factor for the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control’s National Diabetes Education Program. The new rule would bring CMS’ BMI threshold for diabetes among Asian Americans in line with the Diabetes Association’s recommendations. This would mean more Asian American patients would receive screenings and preventative care through Medicare. Without this change, it is estimated over half of diabetes cases among Asian Americans go undiagnosed, which can result in serious complications.

“These changes will mean more federal resources helping prevent, detect and treat a disease among our Asian American neighbors, ultimately saving lives,” Velázquez noted. “I’m glad CMS is taking these commonsense steps and will continue pushing to see these new rules implemented.”

Velázquez's comments are available here: CMSDiabetesRegulationCommentLetter.pdf

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