Advocacy Update: Diabetes Research and Programs Funding

BY AUGUST 7, 2018 – 4:12 PM HEALTH

By American Diabetes Association

This spring, Congress finally increased funding for diabetes research and prevention programs. The Special Diabetes Program, which supports type 1 diabetes research and type 2 diabetes prevention programs in Native communities, was funded through September 30, 2019 at $600 million dollars—a huge win for people living with and affected by diabetes.

Congress also increased funding for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). These programs are improving treatments and making a tangible difference in the lives of Americans affected by diabetes and providing the best hope for a cure.

We’re very grateful that Congress has made a meaningful commitment to people with and at risk for diabetes. But now, it’s time for Congress to fund the government for another fiscal year, and we must encourage members of Congress to continue to make diabetes a priority.

The human and economic cost of diabetes is devastating. Today, more than 30 million Americans have diabetes and 84 million more have prediabetes. What’s more, the annual cost of diagnosed diabetes has skyrocketed to $327 billion.

As Congress works to fund the government for FY 2019, we are urging them to provide the maximum possible support for NIDDK, DDT and the National DPP. The good news? The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have approved legislation to fund these priorities – the next step is for both chambers to pass funding bills. We are asking Congress to vote in favor of the highest amount provided to each program:

$2.031 billion for NIDDK in the Senate bill,
$155 million for DDT in the House bill, and
$26.8 million for the National DPP in the House bill.

With sustained increased investment in these programs, we can reach for a future free of diabetes and its burdens. Raise your voice in support of this important funding – take action on this important issue today!

From:: http://diabetesstopshere.org/2018/08/07/advocacy-update-diabetes-research-and-programs-funding/