WASHINGTON (WABI) – In 1997, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, started the bipartisan ‘Senate Diabetes Caucus.’
The special diabetes program through the National Institutes of Health was also set in motion the same year.
The critical diabetes research program has grown tremendously and impacted lives of those living with Type 1 diabetes.
In Washington, D.C., a young Mainer testified on behalf of the Children’s Congress Delegates as to why funding for diabetes research and testing is critical in hopes of finding a cure.
Ruby Whitmore, 16, of Old Town spoke about how the results have bettered the lives of those living with the disease.
This special hearing is called ‘A Future without Type One Diabetes: Accelerating Breakthroughs and Creating Hope.
Collins, the chair of the committee, opened the hearing welcoming the young people present, representing those who have Type 1 diabetes.
Collins discussed the progress on research and medicine for those living with Type 1 diabetes made since 1997.
“Federal funding for diabetes research has increased from $319 million in 1997 to more than $2.3 billion,” said Collins. “That’s due to your advocacy and that includes a $10 million increase enacted just last year.”
The special diabetes program at the National Institutes of Health provides $160 million a year for type one diabetes research.
According to Collins, in 2017 it led to the development of the first ever FDA-approved artificial pancreas that can control blood glucose levels automatically.
“I’m honored to speak with you today not just as someone living with Type 1 diabetes but as a student, an athlete, a volunteer and someone who dreams of becoming a surgeon,” said Whitmore.
Whitmore and her family found out she had T1D at just five years old.
Whitmore testified her family history of Type 1 diabetes, learning how to manage it on her own and through playing sports.
She said that her father also has T1D and her mother has been the family’s rock in ensuring they live a healthy life knocking down the stigma on limitations surrounding the disease.
“This has put a great deal of stress on my mom who is always there for us,” said Whitmore. “She’s the one not so quietly making sure I’m okay, reminding me to bring sugar tablets, staying up when I sleep through my pump alarms and just being there every day.”
Since federal cuts have significantly impacted NIH funding and vital research into Type 1 diabetes, Collins urged those present to advocate for an extension to the Special Diabetes Program which she said could end in September.
This program has empowered young people like Whitmore to speak up about the disease and from her testimony, this advocacy is just the beginning.
“I never want a young girl to think she can’t play sports because of her insulin pump,” said Whitmore. “I never want a family to skip doses or ration supplies because of costs. Everyone living with type one diabetes deserves the chance to thrive. Your support makes that possible. Thank you for your time and thank you for investing in a healthier, better future for people like me.”
To learn more about the Special Diabetes Program and funding opportunities follow the link.
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