It’s a new year and on January 1, 2013 the U.S. Senate passed diabetes legislation. Fingers crossed, the U.S. House will vote on this legislation next. If you or a loved one has diabetes, this is incredibly important news for you.
Diabetes diagnoses are rapidly increasing in the United States and the costs to our economy are staggering. The SDP is a significant contributor to the Artificial Pancreas Project and diabetes research. The success of this legislation rests in the hands of the public as advocates.
Funding for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP)
According to JDRF: “We are pleased to report that early this morning, the U.S. Senate passed legislation which includes a one-year renewal of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) at the current funding level of $150 million annually.
The SDP funds research through the National Institutes of Health which helps accelerate progress to cure, treat, and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D). Renewing the SDP was JDRF’s top legislative priority this year.”
What is the Special Diabetes Program?
“In recognition of this alarming trend, Congress formed the Diabetes Research Working Group in 1997, which reported serious limitations in diabetes research – for type 1 diabetes (T1D) in particular – largely due to inadequate funding. In light of the working group’s report, Congress created the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), a program made up of two parts: one to advance T1D research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the other to fund treatment, education, and prevention programs for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, who are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes.” ~According to JDRF
Be an advocate, here’s how:
Everyone can make a difference, if you aren’t already- sign up now.