Legislative perspectives on diabetes in America.

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.