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Congresswoman Kim Schrier Talks Hope and Resilience at Breakthrough T1D Conference

Recently, Breakthrough T1D, a renowned organization championing research and advocacy for type 1 diabetes (T1D), hosted its annual Government Day, uniting nearly 200 volunteer advocates in Washington, D.C. The goal was clear – to secure legislative support for essential T1D research and the ongoing work being done at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The event featured remarks from Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD, the only current member of Congress living with T1D. As the first pediatrician elected to Congress, she emphasized the significance of the Special Diabetes Program, which has received bipartisan backing since its inception in 1997.

The Special Diabetes Program has been instrumental in accelerating T1D research, providing a sustained investment in NIH that has led to groundbreaking advancements in the field. Notably, the program supported the development of Tzield, the first therapy proven to delay the onset of T1D by up to three years.

Congresswoman Schrier expressed, "The Special Diabetes Program has fundamentally changed life for the 1.6 million Americans who, like me, live with type 1 diabetes. Innovations such as artificial pancreas technology and beta cell replacement therapies owe their existence to this program. It's crucial for Congress to renew this initiative."

During her address, she conveyed her experiences living with T1D, sharing insights that resonated with the advocates. "As both a doctor and a person with type 1 diabetes, I am acutely aware of the challenges of managing this disease daily. My commitment to improving the lives of others has driven me to support legislation aimed at enhancing diabetes education, increasing awareness and screening, and reducing the exorbitant costs of insulin for millions of Americans," she noted.

Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer Lynn Starr echoed her sentiments, expressing gratitude for supportive congressional leaders who have championed T1D issues, including Senate Diabetes Caucus co-chairs Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Congressional Diabetes Caucus leaders Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).

As the conference progressed, advocates met with various lawmakers, articulating their experiences and urging a commitment to T1D research.

Looking ahead, Breakthrough T1D is set to host its Children's Congress in Washington, D.C., scheduled for July 7-9, 2025. This event will gather youth delegates nationwide, allowing them to share their personal stories with congressional members and advocate for critical diabetes initiatives.

About Breakthrough T1D

Breakthrough T1D is a leading organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by type 1 diabetes while pushing for innovations that could lead to cures. The organization invests in promising research initiatives, advocates for government policies favorable to the T1D community, and empowers individuals to manage their diabetes effectively. For more insights into their mission and ongoing efforts, visit Breakthrough T1D's official website.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

T1D is a serious autoimmune disease that results in the pancreas producing little to no insulin, leading to the necessity of insulin therapy as well as significant risks of both short and long-term complications, including severe fluctuations in blood sugar levels and potential damage to major organs. The condition affects close to 9 million people worldwide, and contrary to popular belief, T1D can also develop in adults, highlighting that nearly half of all diagnoses occur after childhood. Despite its increasing prevalence, no definitive cure currently exists for T1D, underscoring the critical need for ongoing research and legislative support.