Breakthrough T1D Advocates Convene in Washington D.C. for Government Day 2026, Championing Critical Research and Affordability Reforms

Washington D.C. – From March 15th to 18th, 2026, the nation’s capital buzzed with the fervent energy of over 200 dedicated Breakthrough T1D Advocates, representing every state in the union. Their convergence for Breakthrough T1D’s annual Government Day underscored a collective commitment to accelerating progress towards a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D). This pivotal event, a cornerstone of Breakthrough T1D’s advocacy efforts, serves as a powerful platform for individuals with lived T1D experiences to directly engage with policymakers, driving legislative change and fostering crucial dialogue on Capitol Hill.

The four-day intensive program was meticulously designed to maximize advocacy impact while also providing valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and community building. Advocates participated in in-depth briefings from Breakthrough T1D’s Research, Advocacy, and Medical Affairs teams, gaining critical insights into the latest scientific advancements and policy landscapes. Networking sessions facilitated the exchange of strategies and experiences among advocates, strengthening the collective voice of the T1D community. The event also culminated in a spirited volunteer recognition ceremony, celebrating the past year’s successes and motivating continued dedication.

At the heart of Government Day 2026 was the unparalleled opportunity for advocates to directly address their elected officials. In a remarkable display of grassroots power, nearly 500 meetings were held with Members of Congress and their dedicated staff across both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. During these crucial encounters, advocates shared deeply personal narratives of living with T1D, illustrating the daily challenges and the profound impact of the disease. They passionately articulated Breakthrough T1D’s top legislative priorities, ensuring that the collective concerns and aspirations of the T1D community resonated clearly throughout the halls of Congress.

Advocating for Policy Advancements on Capitol Hill

The core of Government Day’s agenda revolved around a series of specific, high-impact legislative asks designed to propel the T1D mission forward. These priorities represent the most critical areas where policy interventions can significantly advance the organization’s vision of a cure and prevention for type 1 diabetes.

Sustained Support for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP)

A paramount focus for the advocates was the continued robust funding and renewal of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP). Established in 1997, the SDP has been a linchpin in T1D research, contributing nearly $3.8 billion to date. This significant federal investment has yielded transformative breakthroughs and, according to Breakthrough T1D’s analysis, has generated an estimated $50 billion in federal healthcare savings, largely through advancements in diabetes management technologies.

In a significant development preceding the Government Day meetings, Congress passed an extension of the SDP through December 31, 2026, coupled with an increase in annual funding from $160 million to $200 million. Advocates conveyed profound gratitude for this legislative achievement, acknowledging it as a testament to years of persistent advocacy. However, they emphasized the urgent necessity for long-term renewal to ensure the sustained momentum of critical research projects. The consistent and predictable funding stream provided by the SDP is widely recognized as essential for fostering the long-term research collaborations and clinical trials necessary to achieve a cure. The program’s impact is evident in the development of innovative technologies and therapies that have dramatically improved the quality of life for millions living with T1D.

Fueling Critical T1D Research and Cures Through Agency Funding

The pursuit of cures for T1D is inextricably linked to the financial vitality of key federal agencies. Advocates underscored that progress toward groundbreaking therapies and prevention strategies is fundamentally dependent on sustained and strong funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These agencies are at the forefront of scientific discovery, regulatory review, and the development of life-changing interventions.

By urging Congress to support robust funding for the NIH and FDA, advocates aimed to ensure that the pipeline of innovation remains strong. This includes funding for basic science research that unravels the complex mechanisms of T1D, as well as clinical research that translates these discoveries into safe and effective treatments. The FDA’s role in expediting the review and approval of new therapies is equally critical, ensuring that promising advancements reach patients in a timely manner. This consistent financial support is not merely an allocation of resources but a direct investment in the future health and well-being of individuals affected by T1D.

Accelerating the Promise of Cell Therapies

The advent of cell therapies represents a paradigm shift in the potential to cure T1D, moving from management to restoration of pancreatic function. The presence of over a dozen cell therapies currently in clinical trials signifies a period of unprecedented innovation in this field. Breakthrough T1D advocates highlighted the revolutionary potential of these approaches, which aim to replace or restore insulin-producing beta cells, thereby offering a functional cure for the disease.

Their advocacy focused on calls for policies and funding mechanisms that will expedite the clinical trial process, facilitate the scalable manufacturing of these complex therapies, and ensure broad future access for individuals with T1D. The journey from laboratory discovery to widespread clinical availability is often lengthy and resource-intensive. By advocating for streamlined regulatory pathways, investment in manufacturing infrastructure, and equitable access policies, advocates are working to shorten this timeline and bring these potentially life-altering treatments to patients sooner. The successful development and deployment of cell therapies could fundamentally alter the landscape of T1D management, moving beyond daily injections and continuous monitoring to a state of remission.

Ensuring Insulin Affordability and Access

The fundamental reality for individuals with T1D is their absolute dependence on insulin for survival. The life-sustaining nature of this medication makes its affordability and accessibility a non-negotiable priority. While significant strides have been made in recent years, particularly with the establishment of a $35 monthly cap on insulin co-pays for Medicare beneficiaries, advocates stressed that the work is far from complete.

The ongoing advocacy efforts are aimed at extending these affordability protections to a wider segment of the population. Specifically, advocates are urging Congress to enact legislation that will meaningfully reform insulin pricing and improve access for individuals with commercial insurance and those who are uninsured. This includes exploring mechanisms to control wholesale insulin prices, prevent price gouging, and ensure that cost is never a barrier to accessing this essential medication. The impact of insulin unaffordability can be devastating, leading to difficult choices between rationing medication, incurring crippling debt, or facing severe health consequences. The push for comprehensive insulin affordability reforms seeks to alleviate this burden and ensure that every individual with T1D can access the insulin they need without financial duress.

Honoring Champions of the T1D Cause

Government Day 2026 also served as a platform to recognize individuals and entities who have made exceptional contributions to the T1D community.

The Mary Tyler Moore Award: Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar

A poignant highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Mary Tyler Moore Award to Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar of Udaipur, India. This award, named in honor of the beloved actress and tireless advocate for diabetes awareness, celebrates extraordinary leadership and dedication in improving the lives of those affected by T1D.

Princess Padmaja was honored for her profound impact on the global T1D community. Through her unwavering advocacy and extensive international engagement, she has been instrumental in elevating awareness, driving tangible progress in research and access, and inspiring action across diverse populations. Her work embodies the spirit of compassion and commitment that Mary Tyler Moore championed throughout her life. Dr. S. Robert Levine, Mary Tyler Moore’s husband, delivered moving remarks, reflecting on his wife’s enduring legacy and her passion for finding a cure. Breakthrough T1D CEO, Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., presented the award, acknowledging Princess Padmaja’s significant contributions.

The Congressional Legacy Award: Senator Jeanne Shaheen

Breakthrough T1D also bestowed its Congressional Legacy Award upon Senator Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire) in recognition of her decades of exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to the T1D community. Senator Shaheen’s legislative career has been marked by consistent and impactful advocacy for those living with type 1 diabetes.

Her accomplishments include co-chairing the Senate Diabetes Caucus, where she has been a driving force behind efforts to secure critical funding for programs like the Special Diabetes Program. Senator Shaheen played a pivotal role in advancing FDA guidance that facilitated the faster approval of automated insulin delivery systems, thereby accelerating access to these life-changing technologies for people with T1D by years. Furthermore, her long-standing efforts to improve insulin affordability, including her crucial role in securing the Medicare $35 per month insulin co-pay cap, have had a direct and positive impact on countless lives. Senator Shaheen’s consistent dedication has ensured that the T1D community’s voice is heard and prioritized in congressional deliberations, solidifying her position as one of the most significant congressional champions for T1D to date.

The Enduring Power of Personal Stories

Government Day 2026 powerfully reaffirmed the profound impact of personal narratives in shaping policy and driving change. Each advocate present brought a unique story, a testament to the daily realities of living with T1D, the challenges faced, and the urgent need for congressional action. These deeply personal accounts served as powerful tools for connection, transforming abstract policy issues into tangible human experiences for lawmakers and their staff.

The collective impact of these nearly 500 meetings cannot be overstated. Each conversation represented a crucial step in building understanding, fostering empathy, and forging vital connections that propel the movement toward a world without T1D closer to reality. Breakthrough T1D expressed immense gratitude to the hundreds of advocates who traveled to Washington D.C., investing their time, energy, and passion to make Government Day 2026 a resounding success and an impactful force for progress.

In a notable announcement, Breakthrough T1D shared that Government Day will be rebranded for the following year. Recognizing that the event spans several days, the organization will transition to "Breakthrough T1D On the Hill," a name intended to more accurately reflect the comprehensive nature of the gathering and its ongoing mission.

For individuals inspired by the advocacy efforts and eager to contribute to the T1D cause, Breakthrough T1D encourages them to become an advocate. By lending their voices, individuals can directly power progress on the path to cures and help shape a future free from type 1 diabetes. Those interested in joining the advocacy movement can visit breakthrought1d.org/join to learn more.