Legislative Issues:
Women and Diabetes

Government Affairs & Advocacy at the American Diabetes Association works to improve access to quality care, eliminate discrimination against people because of their diabetes, and make sure the federal government is adequately funding diabetes research and programs.

Women are often their families' primary health care decision makers and thus very influential in affecting behavior changes in their own children and families. Because of this unique role, we ask all women to take the lead in encouraging their loved ones to join our fight in advocating for better diabetes care, prevention and management by becoming a Diabetes Advocate.

Latest News

New! ADA Backs Gestational Diabetes Act 2006
Between 4-8 percent of all pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is a strong supporter of legislation, the "Gestational Diabetes Act" which aims to better understand and reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes. Letter of support sent to Bill Sponsor, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. (PDF)

S.1955 Defeated!! (PDF)
Read the press release regarding the defeat of S.1955. As a result, state health coverage for diabetes has been protected. Thank you to the dedication and passion of tens of thousands of diabetes advocates who, for several months, have contacted their elected officials to express their strong opposition to this legislation.

Advocacy Action Center
Register to become a Diabetes Advocate! Receive regular legislative alerts and take action on state and federal legislation affecting you and your family.

Legislative Issues

School Discrimination
Resources to help parents and schools understand how to best meet the needs of a student with diabetes.

School Legislative Action
The Association is advocating for the passage of legislation to make sure students with diabetes are medically safe and have equal access to education

Stem Cell Research
The Association strongly supports efforts to protect embryonic stem cell research because of its tremendous potential in the fight to cure diabetes.

Health Insurance Options
Diabetes is expensive. People with diabetes need access to quality health care and comprehensive insurance coverage to manage their disease.

Resources

Advocacy at the ADA
Find out more about Government Affairs & Advocacy at the American Diabetes Association.

Womenshealth.gov
The Federal Government Source for Women's Health Information.

National Diabetes Education Program: It's Never too early ... to Prevent Diabetes
A new resource for women with a history of gestational diabetes. Get health tips for women and the whole family.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC): National Public Health Initiative on Diabetes and Women's Health
ADA partners with CDC and other organizations in a comprehensive action plan to increase awareness about diabetes and women's health.

Covering Kids & Families Campaign (PDF)
ADA is again a national supporter of the Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School Campaign to ensure that families know about low-cost and free federal and state health care options, such as Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, that are available to children. As part of the campaign, parents may call a toll-free hotline at 1-877-KIDS-NOW or visit coveringkidsandfamilies.org to learn more about health insurance eligibility.