LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW)-State Representative Charles Graham has filed a bill at the general assembly that would require children two and under to be tested for diabetes. The bill comes after graham learned a child died after having diabetes complications. After realizing there wasn’t a required screening, he has filed a bill that would change that. News13s Jana Jones was in Robeson county Saturday and talked to medical staff about what these changes could mean.
“I imagine I would be devastated,” said Gegetta Locklear.
Gegetta Locklear, a mother of three and grandmother to one says she couldn’t imagine losing a child to something that could have been prevented.
“As an adult we notice what is wrong with us when we are feeling lethargic or just not right, but kids they don’t.”
That is the idea behind the screening and why Locklear, like several parents we talked to, were in support of the bill.
“All the kids would be tested, hopefully no one would fall through the cracks.”
State Representative Charles Graham feels strongly about this bill, mainly because it effects so many people. Robeson county, tied with Halifax county have the highest rates of diabetes in the entire state.
“Here in Robeson county we have people, I mean poverty, poverty is a major problem,” said Amanda McLellan, a nurse in Robeson county.
Mclellan says lack of resources are to blame for the diabetes epidemic.
“It’s easier and cheaper to eat unhealthy than it is to afford to eat healthy.”
The bill would only affect children, but McLellan says parents contribute to the problem.
“What they make available to their child, if you buy soda, a child will drink soda, by two, you can really have some bad habits.”
McLellan says if this bill passed, it really shouldn’t inconvenience anyone.
“It usually take five to ten seconds.”
And that five to ten seconds could have lifelong results.
“If it’s caught early, there are a lot of things down the road that could be prevented.”
That is one thing medical professionals and parents alike can agree on.
“Early intervention is key for anything really.”
While it could take some time to get this bill passed, the medical staff encouraged parents to get their children tested early. It could prevent blindness and the need for dialysis and like the nurse said, it only takes a few seconds.
