Congress' Only Current Member with Type 1 Diabetes Shares Message of Hope and Resilience at Breakthrough T1D's Government Day Conference

Breakthrough T1D's annual Government Day brings nearly 200 volunteer advocates to Capitol Hill to encourage Congress to support critical type 1 diabetes research

Rep. Kim Schrier, MD, lives with type 1 diabetes and is the first pediatrician elected to Congress

, /PRNewswire/ -- Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, gathered volunteer advocates from across the country for its annual Government Day to encourage Congress to support T1D research, by renewing the Special Diabetes Program, preserving work being done at NIH and FDA, and protecting policies that will advance cell therapies.

The Special Diabetes Program has accelerated the pace of T1D research through a critical long-term investment of funding at the National Institutes of Health. Made possible through bi-partisan support, the Special Diabetes Program has played a key role in nearly every significant T1D scientific advancement since its creation in 1997, including Tzield, the first disease-modifying therapy for T1D which can delay the onset of the disease by up to three years. The advocates began their day with a special breakfast address from Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA), who lives with T1D and is the first pediatrician elected to Congress.

"The Special Diabetes Program has fundamentally changed life for the 1.6 million Americans who, like me, live with type 1 diabetes. Breakthroughs like artificial pancreas technology and beta cell replacement therapies are possible because of the Special Diabetes Program. Congress must renew this program," said Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer Lynn Starr. "In addition, Breakthrough T1D supports having the most efficient government agencies and programs while maintaining momentum toward type 1 diabetes cures. We urge Congress to protect critical T1D research and cures. As such, we are grateful for the leadership of congressional champions like Congresswoman Schrier, Senate Diabetes Caucus co-chairs Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congressional Diabetes Caucus co-chairs Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)."

Congresswoman Schrier shared remarks with Breakthrough T1D's advocates before their meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

"As a doctor and a person with type 1 diabetes, I understand the challenges that come with managing this disease. That's why I've worked hard in Congress to help others, including legislation to improve diabetes self-management training, enhance awareness and screening for T1D, and lower insulin costs for millions of Americans," said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. "Through this advocacy, I've had the pleasure of working with the incredible Breakthrough T1D team. I am grateful for their dedication to research, treatment, prevention, and someday cures for this disease."

Looking ahead, Breakthrough T1D is preparing for another signature advocacy event: Children's Congress 2025, set to take place this summer in Washington, D.C., July 7-9. This biennial event will bring youth delegates from across the country to Capitol Hill, where they will share their experiences with members of Congress and urge them to act on key diabetes initiatives.

About Breakthrough T1D
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition. To learn more about our work, please visit www.BreakthroughT1D.org.

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.

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SOURCE Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF