Colgan letter: Special Diabetes Program
At 14, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Suddenly, life became checking blood sugars, counting carbohydrates, and taking insulin shots. I’m not alone. More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, a figure expected to double within the next 25 years.
Diabetes is also incredibly expensive. I have not yet reached the deductible on my health insurance and my monthly supply of insulin, which I need to live, costs $546. Government spending on diabetes tops $322 billion annually; more than one in three Medicare dollars goes towards its treatment. The best way to bend those projections is with research through the Special Diabetes Program (SDP).
The SDP is a renowned research program; its research produces a steady stream of medical and technological breakthroughs. It is a wise and effective investment of tax dollars. Because of the SDP, I use devices that keep me healthier, devices that did not exist when I was diagnosed 17 years ago.
Funding for the SDP is set to expire at the end of September. I am grateful our Idaho congressional leaders have been supportive of the SDP in the past. I’m asking them to continue their support and approve the renewal of this program.
Amy Colgan, Boise
This story was originally published September 15, 2017 at 10:54 PM with the headline "Colgan letter: Special Diabetes Program."