Diabetes research fund hopes millions for Illinois research lowers medical costs overall.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and there’s big money from a research fund pouring into Illinois to work toward a cure.

The American Diabetes Association says 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year, with a total of 30.3 million.

JDRF Chief Mission Officer Aaron Kowalski said the research fund is putting $5 million into research in Illinois, helping boost federal funds.

Diabetes remains the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. and is responsible for $327 billion in medical costs nationally.

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