Legislative perspectives on diabetes in America

Abstract

Purpose: To highlight the ongoing legislative activity in support of diabetes management.

Findings: Efforts of the Senate Diabetes Caucus have been instrumental in increasing the budget of the National Institutes of Health from $13.6 billion to $20.4 billion during the past 3 years, including more than doubling of the funding for diabetes research (from $319 million to $690 million). The demonstrated effectiveness of the Diabetes Prevention Program in delaying or preventing the development of type 2 diabetes by use of diet and exercise or metformin emphasizes the importance of diabetes educational programs for high-risk persons.

Conclusion: Government funding of diabetes educational and research programs improves the quality of life for patients with diabetes and ultimately saves money.