Sen. Chuck Schumer visited a Cortlandt hospital Thursday to highlight what he calls the "frightening epidemic" of type 2 diabetes.

"In Westchester County, 4.8 percent of the residents have diabetes," Schumer said at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center. "In Rockland, 6.6 percent and in Putnam County ? the highest ? 7.5 percent."

According to Schumer, that amounts to about 140,000 people in the Hudson Valley. Type 2 diabetes is the more dangerous version linked to obesity and a lack of exercise. It can cause blindness, amputation and even lead to death.The lawmaker plans to introduce a bipartisan bill next week that aims to provide funding for early detection, prevention, support groups and research on school meals.