SE Kansas News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, along with 54 other senators, has urged Senate leadership to prioritize the reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) before its expiration on December 31, 2024. The program is considered vital for providing resources and breakthroughs in diabetes research and treatment.

"Diabetes is one of our country’s most costly diseases in both human and economic terms," stated the senators. They highlighted that diabetes leads to significant health issues such as kidney disease, blindness, amputations, heart disease, and stroke. In 2022 alone, diabetes cost the nation $412.9 billion.

The SDP comprises two components: the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. These initiatives aim to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes while focusing on populations heavily affected by Type 2 diabetes.

For nearly three decades, the SDP has been instrumental in advancing research that benefits millions of Americans living with or at risk of developing diabetes. The senators emphasized that continued investment is crucial for developing a cure and supporting prevention programs.

Recent federal funding from the SDP has led to significant research advancements. Notably, it contributed to preventive treatments delaying Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in high-risk individuals and progress in cell replacement therapies.

The letter addressed to Senate leaders Schumer and McConnell thanked them for their support in securing a funding increase earlier this year after two decades without an adjustment. The signatories expressed hope that momentum would continue toward reauthorizing the program at $160 million per year per component through December 2024.

The ongoing success of the SDP highlights its importance not only in improving lives but also in reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with diabetes complications.