The Special Diabetes Program (SDP) must be renewed. Although Congress has temporarily extended SDP, it expires soon—on November 21. Congress needs to agree to a long-term extension before SDP expires or it will cease to exist.
Because of SDP, we’ve seen better diabetes treatments, advances in prevention studies, and research moving us closer to a cure. This summer, two groundbreaking SDP-funded trials underscored the importance of this federal program—including a drug that delayed the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes by TWO years in high-risk individuals, and an SDP-funded study of an artificial pancreas system that improved glucose management! Also, a May report showed that SDP has contributed to a huge cost savings for Medicare because of reduced kidney disease rates.
But this progress is threatened. We need to make sure Congress takes action to renew the program. Please support a multi-year renewal of this critical program by contacting your legislators today using the form below.
Why do you care about type 1 diabetes research, and/or type 2 diabetes prevention among Native Americans? Personalizing your letter is important.
Why the Special Diabetes Program Needs a Long-Term Renewal
Dear [Decision Maker],
As you know, the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) supports millions of Americans affected by diabetes and prediabetes. But unless SDP is renewed before funding expires, future discoveries will be jeopardized. SDP is comprised of two important components: the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research (SDP-type 1) and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). While I appreciate that Congress extended SDP as part of the continuing resolution, short-term extensions make it difficult for the federal agencies that administer this funding to invest in the best research toward a cure or provide diabetes treatment and prevention in the communities that need it most.
Sincerely,[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP][Your Email]