Diabetes Dateline
Spring/Summer 2009

NIDDK Director Griffin P. Rodgers Testifies on Capitol Hill

JDRF photo by Camera 1

On June 24, 2009, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Director Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., M.A.C.P., testified on Capitol Hill about progress in type 1 diabetes research. He was joined by boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, actress Mary Tyler Moore, and teen musician Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. The three celebrities urged Congress to continue support of type 1 diabetes research.

“The need to pursue the prevention and cure of diabetes through research is greater than ever,” Rodgers told the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs at the congressional hearing “Type 1 Diabetes Research: Real Progress and Real Hope for a Cure,” held by Sens. Joe Lieberman and Susan Collins.

Type 1 diabetes results from an autoimmune destruction of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a vital hormone that controls blood glucose, also called blood sugar. About 1.2 to 2.4 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, blindness, and amputations.

Children’s Congress

The hearing was held in conjunction with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) Children’s Congress, the largest media and grassroots event held in support of finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Since 1999, the JDRF Children’s Congress has convened biennially to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and to encourage Congress to support type 1 diabetes research. This year, 150 children ages 4 to 17, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, came to Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders and President Obama.

JDRF photo by Camera 1

At the hearing, Rodgers summarized work made possible by the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research, including genetic studies that have so far identified at least 40 genes that influence the development of type 1 diabetes; the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study, which is identifying environmental contributors to type 1 diabetes; studies to identify new sources of insulin-producing cells, including stem cells; clinical trials testing approaches to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes; and research into improving devices, such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, that help control blood glucose levels.

“More people with type 1 diabetes are living longer, healthier lives today than ever before,” said Rodgers. “Current research offers hope for continuing improvements in care, and perhaps even suggests we may one day be able to prevent or cure the disease.”

At a related event, Rodgers was awarded a JDRF Children’s Congress Hero Award—the JDRF’s top honor—for his steadfast commitment to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the NIDDK and join the ranks of [JDRF] Children’s Congress Hero awardees,” said Rodgers. “I am very fortunate to lead the scientists and staff of the NIDDK who, with unwavering dedication and passion, work to advance the frontiers of research on diabetes and other serious chronic diseases.”

Special Funding

The Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research, which began in 1997, is administered by the NIDDK under the auspices of the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee, which facilitates cooperation, communication, and collaboration among Government entities addressing diabetes. The program currently provides $150 million annually to research specifically targeting type 1 diabetes. This funding is in addition to regularly appropriated funding that supports research of all forms of diabetes, including type 1 diabetes. Without renewal, the special funding will terminate in 2011.

The JDRF’s efforts, including the Children’s Congress, have been instrumental in the continuation and expansion of the Special Statutory Funding Program.

“I ask that each of you join me in supporting the renewal of the Special [Statutory Funding] Program next year so that the researchers can continue their work on a cure for our disease,” testified Jonas, who announced in 2005 that he has type 1 diabetes. “My life depends on it.”

For more information about the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research, visit www.t1diabetes.nih.gov.

For more information about the JDRF Children’s Congress, visit www.cc.jdrf.org.

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, an information service of the NIDDK, offers free publications about type 1 diabetes. For more information, go to www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov.

NIH Publication No. 09–4562
August 2009

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