Posted on 01/12/2006 4:00:38 PM PST by qam1
In an appalling extension of the nanny state, New York is slated to become the first city to monitor diabetics' blood-sugar levels. It plans to register them like HIV or tuberculosis sufferers and nag them when their levels aren't healthy enough. Drop the cupcake; here come the sugar police.
Sensible people will laugh at this, but New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden, an appointee of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is dead serious about the Big Apple's sweet tooth. He's the man behind New York's onerous smoking ban; he doesn't shy from alleging "epidemics." Since Mr. Frieden recently told the New York Sun that diabetes and obesity will be the signature issues of his second term, this begs a question: Will diabetes be the next big thing for public-health bureaucracies?
This much is for certain: For years, the public-health establishment has been comfortable making an "epidemic" out of conditions like diabetes and obesity, which -- though prevalent and debilitating -- are not communicable and can be combated with a few modifications to personal habits.
The American Diabetes Association is not standing athwart the gates, at least not yet. Last week it called Mr. Frieden's ideas valuable, which comes as no surprise given the ADA's occasional use of the "E" word in policy papers and official statements (and its obesity scaremongering as well.) It hedged, however, insisting that permission from sufferers would be necessary before entering people into a city diabetes database.
If the ADA holds fast on the permission issue, it will clash with Mr. Frieden and his cohorts: They are all too eager to coerce. Last week the health commissioner dismissed concerns about doctor-patient privilege. "We will ensure that the utmost care will be taken to keep people's information protected," he said.........
(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...
But, but, but, but they promised they were going to stop at smokers
How can you force diabetics to register with the health department when their condition is no threat to public health?
This, and some complain that the NSA violates our rights in their fight against terrorism? So what is New York going to do with people with high sugar levels? Execute them, tax them, imprison them or just ship them to another state?
This will only cause more folks not to get their blood sugar tested. Perhaps your doctor will register you with or without your permission. I'm still wondering why our ex-doctor questioned us about guns in the house and was so busy scribbling notes about it. I'm sure that info got sent to someone without my permission.
-first the smokers now the diabetics.........how soon before they come for YOU?
Wow, with Bloomberg, Spitzer, and now this jerk, NYC must have the highest concentration of anal retentive control freaks in the nation.
Wow, dodged a bullet there! I was sure caffeine was going to be next! Phew!
How about if we name them (diabetics) as an extra, unnecessary burden on the state's health care system, and place a surtax on sugar sold in the state to pay for their care. Better yet, sue the irresponsible folks who make and advertise sugar. Worked with tobacco!
wondering why our ex-doctor questioned us about guns in the house
Our son's former pediatrician asked the same question!
Didn't ask what type, just if we had them. My son said 'yes' and she asked what are they used for. He replied defense and food. She had very pursed lips when we left.
My dad, senior citizen, goes to the health clinic for sugar tests and thinks nothing of it. But then again, he practically worships FDR.
First marijuana smokers, then tobacco smokers, then diabetics...
Just like you don't have to have those with a deadly, communicable disease like AIDS register! These idiot pols have turned everything upside down!
Mark
I'm sure we could find some victims for more Congressional entitlements requiring more taxes and a huge agency to (mis)manage, with a bloated staff and huge budget.
We're on the same page.
"How about if we name them (diabetics) as an extra, unnecessary burden on the state's health care system,"
Well, as a matter of fact, in the UK, you are not dialyzed after 59 1/2, so your comment may not be all that far off. As someone who knows diabetics well, that would not be a pretty picture here. However, Sugar Nazis don't operate without help.
This is outrageous, but unfortunately only the diabetics will be upset. If it doesn't effect you, why get upset? A person doesn't choose to be diabetic. You don't eat too much sugar, you aren't always overweight. It is a disease.
Drop the Twinkie and step away from the vending machine!
Sugar is not the sole contributor to Type 2 diabetes. It is a simple carbohydrate, as are flour, corn meal, pasta, etc. Are you going to tax all of those? Are you going to tax bread?
Most Type 2 diabetics can control their condition with weight loss and exercise. Taxing sugar is not going to make that happen.
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