Government Affairs & Advocacy

Government Affairs & Advocacy at the American Diabetes Association works to improve access to quality care, eliminate discrimination against people because of their diabetes, and make sure the federal government is adequately funding diabetes research and programs.

Cost of Diabetes
In 2007, the total estimated cost of diabetes in the United States was $174 billion in terms of direct medical expenditures and lost productivity. Diabetes is more than a major health crisis - it’s a legitimate national threat to America’s economy. This year, stop a thief red handed - support diabetes research for a cure and fund education and prevention programs. Learn how much diabetes costs your state and district.

New!
Dana Lewis
ADA Volunteer Testifies
Alexandria, VA (March 11, 2008) - Dana Lewis, an ADA volunteer from Huntsville, Alabama, with type 1 diabetes, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Labor, Education, and Pension, at a hearing on opportunities lost in the life sciences. Left Lewis (center) shares her personal account of life with the disease, and urges Congress to address the growing diabetes epidemic.

Diabetes Advocate Red Shirts
Join volunteers across the country in showing your support for diabetes advocacy by wearing red! Make an impact at local, regional and national events with your very own official ADA advocacy gear.

Choose from a variety of styles - order your shirt today!

Advocacy Action Center
Take action on state and federal issues facing people with diabetes ... Find out who your elected officials are ... Register to become a Diabetes Advocate ... and more!

Discrimination
Diabetes should not be a cause of discrimination in workplaces, day care centers, public schools, correctional institutions, or places of public accommodation. Our Legal Advocacy division fights to ensure that disabilities rights laws protect people with diabetes.

Federal Government Advocacy
The American Diabetes Association is a leader in the fight to get Congress and the White House to increase funding for diabetes research and prevention programs.

Health Insurance Options
Diabetes is expensive. People with diabetes need access to quality health care and comprehensive insurance coverage to manage their disease.

State Legislation
Through its lobbying and advocacy efforts at the state level, the American Diabetes Association is the leading organization, fighting to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Printable Resources

Advocacy Goals for 2006 and Successes in 2005 (PDF)
The Association's goals for 2006 and a list of 2005 accomplishments make for a great "leave behind" for supporters interested in our advocacy efforts.

Diabetes by the Numbers for 2006 (PDF)
This handy flier provides Diabetes Advocates with a single page of current statistics that shows how serious diabetes is in our country. It further illustrates that we need increased funding for research and prevention programs. Diabetes by the Numbers is also available in Spanish. (PDF)

The World Health Organization's Report -- Preventing Chronic Diseases: A Vital Investment (PDF)
The report makes the case for urgent action in countries all over the world to halt and turn back the growing threat of chronic diseases, and dispels the long-held misunderstandings about heart disease, stroke, cancer and other chronic diseases.

Diabetes Forecast - FREE ISSUE!

New Medicare Update

Meet Tesch West - National Youth Advocate

Commercial Drivers with diabetes