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The American Diabetes Association today applauds Congress for passing reauthorization for the Special Diabetes Programs (SDP), included in the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007. The reauthorizations extend funding for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) and the Special Funding for Type 1 Diabetes through September 30, 2009.

Diabetes is four to eight times more common in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN). Moreover, the prevalence is growing in the AIAN population, particularly among children. The SDPI has given Indian health programs and tribal communities the resources and tools they need to both prevent and treat diabetes. It funds over 300 community directed programs, allowing local tribes and health programs to set priorities that meet the needs of their people, whether it be prevention activities or treatment.

The SDP-Type 1 program has led to real advances in many areas of type 1 diabetes research. The program has demonstrated a real return on federal investment, including the numerous human clinical trials testing various drugs and therapies for prevention and advances in halting or reversing diabetic complications.

“Both programs are critical to the important work that is taking place across the country to prevent and treat diabetes,” commented R. Stewart Perry, Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association. “Increased funding to both programs will help stem the tide of this growing diabetes epidemic and save lives in the long run.”