American Diabetes Association honors senator for efforts to stop diabetes

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Diabetes Association is honoring Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, for demonstrating leadership and commitment in stopping diabetes.

As the recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Leadership in Diabetes Policy Award — which recognizes members of Congress for supporting the education, awareness and public policy efforts — Collins is being honored for her commitment to the cause as the co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, in addition to her support of the Special Diabetes Program, the annual American Diabetes Month resolution and efforts to address gestational diabetes.

"I am delighted to receive the 2010 Distinguished Leadership in Diabetes Policy Award from the American Diabetes Association," Collins said. "I have learned a great deal about diabetes and the difficulties and heartbreak it causes for so many American families as they await a cure. There have been some encouraging breakthroughs in research, and we are on the threshold of a number of important new discoveries. I will continue to work with [the American Diabetes Association] and with my colleagues to find better treatments, a means of prevention and ultimately a cure for diabetes."