Key Issues
Below are the key legislative issues that JDRF is working on at the federal level. Each link provides JDRF's position on the issue, advocacy materials, legislation, and other supportive resources as appropriate. We urge advocates to visit this site periodically to learn what JDRF is doing to advance public policy for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research to identify treatments and a cure.
Special Diabetes Program
Federal funding in the U.S. is crucial to the continued progress of diabetes research. The many extraordinary opportunities on the horizon for type 1 research can only be achieved with the support of this funding. The Special Diabetes Program is a unique federal research program dedicated exclusively to type 1 diabetes research, and it currently provides 35 percent of all federally supported type 1 research. Learn More...
Artificial Pancreas Project
Through research and advocacy, JDRF is accelerating the availability of an artificial pancreas--a system that could revolutionize diabetes care and dramatically improve the lives of people with type 1 diabetes. An artificial pancreas will integrate two currently available technologies--the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and the insulin pump--with an algorithm that will provide the right amount of insulin at the right time, significantly reducing the risk of devastating diabetic complications. Learn More...
Stem Cell Research
Stem cells are the essential cellular building blocks that allow the body to regenerate new cells and repair tissue. Stem cell research is an exciting field that has the holds great potential for curing or treating a variety of diseases by stimulating the regeneration of damaged or non-functioning tissues such as replacing like the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas of individuals with diabetes. Federal government support for stem cell research is vital in giving our nation's scientists and researchers the resources they need to fully explore this promising area. Learn More...
Healthcare Reform
JDRF supports efforts to reform the healthcare system and applauds Congress and the Administration for prioritizing such efforts. Diabetes places a tremendous burden on the nation's economy and the quality of life for individuals with the disease. Studies have showed that keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible slows the onset and progression of costly complications such as eye, kidney and nerve damage caused by diabetes. The federal government and JDRF recognize this and are making dramatic strides in diabetes research, which is improving the lives of those with diabetes by preventing or delaying the onset of the disease and complications, as well as moving us closer to our goal of a cure. However, until there is a cure, better management of diabetes is needed to complement the research effort and mitigate the escalating costs and burden on individuals with diabetes and the nation's economy. As part of overall healthcare reform, JDRF strongly supports and will advocate for four specific principles that will help children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. Learn More...
JDRF has been lauded by Time Magazine as "one of the nation's most forceful disease advocacy groups." That recognition is a direct result of the relationships our thousands of Advocates around the country have developed with their Members of Congress. You can help us continue to build strong bonds with elected officials and carry our message directly to Congress.
JDRF Advocates are Spreading the Word to friends and family about the importance of our Advocacy efforts.
JDRF offers a variety of local and national e-publications to help you stay connected to the information you care about.
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