Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senator Todd Young, representing Indiana, has joined a bipartisan group of 55 senators in urging Senate leadership to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program (SDP). The letter emphasizes the significance of this program, which had its funding temporarily extended earlier this year at an annual rate of approximately $160 million per component as part of the fiscal year 2024 funding packages. This marks the first increase in SDP funding in two decades. However, without further legislative action, this funding is set to expire on December 31, 2024.

The senators highlighted the substantial impact diabetes has on individuals and the economy. "Diabetes is one of our country’s most costly diseases in both human and economic terms," they wrote. They pointed out that it leads to severe health issues such as kidney disease and heart disease and noted that diabetes treatment accounted for significant healthcare spending: $412.9 billion in 2022 alone.

The SDP has been instrumental over its 27-year history, providing resources and research breakthroughs for millions of Americans affected by diabetes or prediabetes. "It is essential that we continue to invest in the research necessary to develop a cure for diabetes," stated the senators.

The program includes two components: one focused on Type 1 Diabetes Research and another aimed at addressing type 2 diabetes among American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Diabetes remains a major health challenge in the United States, affecting more than 37 million people and ranking as one of the leading causes of death with over 101,000 fatalities recorded in 2022.

In addition to Senator Young, notable signatories include Senators Susan Collins from Maine and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire among others from both parties across various states.