Diabetics and guardians of children with diabetes face public health scares when they have to find locations to administer insulin. The Illinois Senate passed State Senator Mattie Hunter’s (D-Chicago) measure to legalize public self-administration of insulin.

“Timely insulin injections are necessary for the health and safety of diabetics,” said Hunter. “This measure will reduce health scares for adults and children suffering from this disease.”

The Illinois State Medical Society brought the initiative to Sen. Hunter’s attention after learning that people diagnosed with diabetes could face prosecution if they administer insulin injections in public.

The measure would create the Public Self-care of Diabetes Act. It is one of several initiatives Sen. Hunter has supported throughout her career to prevent and alleviate the side effects of diabetes.

The CDC found in 2013 that 1 in 12 Illinoisans had been diagnosed with diabetes.

Senate Bill 3149 now goes to the House for further consideration.