Nearly 21 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes, one of the nation’s most debilitating and deadly diseases. Each year, it costs the United States more than $174 billion and an estimated $5.8 billion in New Jersey alone.
Last year, Rep. Pallone played an important role in enacting a one-year extension of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and the Special Funding for Type 1 Diabetes Research, which together comprise the Special Diabetes Program (SDP).
Since SDP was established over a decade ago, it has supported groundbreaking diabetes research while also providing essential prevention, treatment, and education services to tribal members and families struggling with the epidemic of diabetes.
This program is producing real results and accelerating our timeline to a cure for diabetes. Examples of the research breakthroughs include the continuous glucose monitor and new drugs to treat diabetes complications. Meanwhile, SDPI funding is improving health and quality of life in tribal communities where the incidence of diabetes had reached epidemic proportions. The Indian Health Service reports that SDPI participants, on average, have successfully lowered their hemoglobin (A1C) by 1 percent, translating to a 40 percent reduction in diabetes related complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and amputations.
Representative Pallone understands the incredible burden of diabetes and values the progress SDP is making in tackling this disease. We know that he is working diligently this year to help finish the job by securing a multi-year extension of the program. A longer-term reauthorization is critical to ensuring the continued success of SDP in diabetes research, treatment, education, and prevention.
Many thanks to Rep. Pallone for his continued efforts to protect the Special Diabetes Program.
Robert Garrett
Morris Township