Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, is grateful that Congress approved a short-term extension of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), a crucial program that is accelerating type 1 diabetes (T1D) research breakthroughs through the National Institutes of Health and complements Breakthrough T1D’s funded research. The measure provides level funding through Jan. 30, 2026, and will enable research to continue, while Congress works to enact a longer-term SDP renewal.
“We deeply appreciate our T1D champions on Capitol Hill who have continued to support and push for renewal of the Special Diabetes Program and the critical funding it provides for type 1 diabetes research,” said Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer Lynn Starr. “This success also reflects the power of thousands of advocates who raised their voices and shared their stories with Congress to show how important this program is. We thank Congressional leadership, Senate Diabetes Caucus co-chairs Senators 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) for their commitment to improving the lives of those affected by type 1 diabetes.”
The SDP has led to significant T1D advances, including artificial pancreas technology, the first FDA-approved therapy that can delay the onset of T1D, beta cell replacement therapies, improvements to continuous glucose monitors, treatments for complications such as diabetic retinopathy, and progress toward cures.
Legislation to provide a long-term extension of the SDP has been introduced in both the House and Senate. Breakthrough T1D is actively building bipartisan support for this legislation and advocating for the program’s renewal to be included in the next government funding bill at the end of January. A long-term renewal of the program is essential and remains one of Breakthrough T1D’s top priorities.
