Shaheen, Collins Applaud Passage of Senate Resolution Recognizing American Diabetes Month
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, applauded the Senate passage of their bipartisan resolution recognizing November as American Diabetes Month. The resolution supports the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month, including public awareness of prevention and treatment options and enhancing education of the risks of developing diabetes. It also recognizes the importance of decreasing the incidences of type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes through research, treatment and prevention.
“During American Diabetes Month, we think of the millions of diabetic Americans, many of whom rely on insulin to survive. We owe it to them to take overdue action in Congress to lower insulin costs so this lifesaving medication is never out of reach for those in need,” said Senator Shaheen. “Senator Collins and I will continue to advocate on behalf of Senate action towards comprehensive, meaningful changes to our laws to reduce skyrocketing insulin prices.”
"While raising awareness about the burden of diabetes, this bipartisan resolution also recognizes the progress we have made in improving the lives of millions of Americans living with diabetes," said Senator Collins. "Through continued federal investment in biomedical research and by passing bipartisan legislation to address the high costs of insulin, like the INSULIN Act, we can build on this progress. As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Shaheen to support federal policies that will help to better treat, prevent, and ultimately cure this disease.”
The resolution can be read in full here.
As co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, Shaheen and Collins have led action in the U.S. Senate to advance priorities that will lower the costs of insulin, invest in treatment and prioritize diabetes research. Recently, the Senators penned a joint op-ed about the importance of lowering the cost of insulin. The Senators have worked to increase awareness of the threats posed by diabetes, invest in research and improve access to treatment options. They have consistently held insulin manufacturers, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers accountable for the skyrocketing cost of life-saving insulin. Earlier this year, Shaheen and Collins commended drug manufacturers Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi’s actions to lower their list prices for their insulin products.
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