Lifting Our Voices Together: Urging Congress to Make Diabetes a Priority

From March 11-13, 2026, a dedicated contingent of diabetes advocates converged on Washington, D.C., for the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) annual Call to Congress. This pivotal event served as a crucial platform for individuals living with diabetes, their families, and support organizations to directly engage with federal legislators, highlighting the pressing needs and policy priorities of the diabetes community. Among these advocates was Marta Dospiva Legan, a proud member and peer meetup host for DiabetesSisters, an organization focused on empowering women affected by diabetes. Legan’s participation underscored the significant role of grassroots advocacy in shaping national policy, particularly emphasizing the unique challenges faced by women managing this chronic condition.

The ADA’s Call to Congress is recognized as the organization’s foremost advocacy initiative, designed to equip individuals with diabetes and their loved ones with the knowledge and tools to educate lawmakers. The core objective is to illuminate the tangible, day-to-day impact of diabetes on individuals and families, and to impress upon Congress the urgency of addressing the multifaceted issues that plague the diabetes community. This annual gathering provides a vital opportunity for direct dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding among policymakers about the realities of living with diabetes, from the constant need for affordable insulin to the integration of advanced medical technologies into daily care.

The Significance of Call to Congress for the Diabetes Community

The impact of Call to Congress extends far beyond a mere conference; it represents a powerful affirmation that the voices and experiences of those affected by diabetes are not only valid but essential for driving policy change. The event provides a structured yet deeply personal avenue for advocates to share their narratives. These interactions are instrumental in ensuring that the specific needs of all individuals living with diabetes, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked concerns of women and their families, are brought to the forefront of legislative discussions. These conversations are critical for advancing access to essential resources such as insulin, diabetes management technology, and comprehensive supportive care.

For many participants, the experience of Call to Congress is profoundly empowering. It transforms abstract policy debates into concrete, human-centered discussions. Advocates bring not only well-researched data and policy recommendations but also the raw, lived experiences of managing diabetes daily – the emotional toll, the financial burdens, and the unwavering resilience required. This blend of personal testimony and informed advocacy creates a compelling case for legislative action, fostering empathy and understanding among lawmakers.

Key Federal Policy Priorities for 2026

The 2026 Call to Congress focused on several critical federal policy priorities identified by the American Diabetes Association. These priorities are rooted in the ADA’s comprehensive policy agenda, which aims to address the multifaceted challenges of diabetes prevention, research, and access to care.

1. Protecting and Expanding Federal Funding for Research and Prevention

A cornerstone of the advocacy efforts was the urgent plea to Congress to protect and strengthen federal funding for diabetes research and prevention programs. Agencies such as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), particularly its Division of Diabetes Translation and the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), are at the forefront of advancing scientific understanding, improving patient care, and developing innovative treatments, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Federal investment in these vital areas is not merely an expenditure; it is a critical investment in the future health and well-being of millions of Americans and for generations to come. Data from the CDC consistently highlights the substantial public health and economic burden of diabetes. In 2023, the CDC estimated that diabetes costs the U.S. an estimated $417 billion annually in direct medical costs and lost productivity. Sustained and enhanced funding is essential to accelerate breakthroughs in prevention strategies, develop more effective treatments for all types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational), and ultimately reduce the prevalence of this chronic disease. The NIDDK, for example, supports a wide range of research, from basic science investigating the underlying mechanisms of diabetes to clinical trials testing new therapies. Similarly, the CDC’s DPP has demonstrated significant success in helping individuals at high risk for Type 2 diabetes make lifestyle changes that delay or prevent the onset of the disease. Advocates emphasized that cuts or stagnation in funding would jeopardize progress and prolong the suffering and economic hardship associated with diabetes.

2. Enhancing Insulin Affordability and Accessibility

The exorbitant cost of insulin remains one of the most pressing and emotionally charged issues for individuals with diabetes. During meetings with congressional representatives, advocates shared deeply personal accounts of the financial strain associated with obtaining this life-sustaining medication. Many individuals and families are forced to make agonizing choices between purchasing insulin and covering other essential living expenses, such as rent, food, or utilities.

The call to action was clear: lawmakers must enact meaningful legislation to reduce out-of-pocket insulin costs and guarantee that every individual, regardless of their insurance status or plan, has consistent and affordable access to the insulin they require to survive and thrive. The price of insulin has seen a dramatic increase over the past two decades, far outpacing inflation and the cost of other pharmaceuticals. Reports have indicated that the average price of insulin has more than tripled between 2002 and 2015, leading to widespread insulin rationing and dangerous health consequences. Advocacy efforts at Call to Congress aimed to support legislative measures that would cap out-of-pocket insulin costs for all Americans, promote competition among insulin manufacturers, and encourage greater transparency in drug pricing. The ADA has consistently advocated for policies that address the entire insulin supply chain, from manufacturing to pharmacy benefit managers, to ensure fair pricing.

3. Expanding Access to Comprehensive Quality Care, Including Nutrition and Technology

Access to essential diabetes care extends beyond medication to encompass a holistic approach that includes advanced diabetes management technology and crucial support services. Advocates stressed the importance of expanding access to diabetes technology, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, which empower individuals to better manage their blood glucose levels and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, access to nutrition education and support through programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was highlighted as a critical component of comprehensive care.

These resources are particularly vital for women and families who often juggle multiple responsibilities, including caregiving and employment, making efficient and effective diabetes management paramount. Limited access to these supportive services can have profound negative impacts on health outcomes, leading to increased risks of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Expanding coverage for diabetes technology under Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring that these devices are considered medically necessary and are reimbursed appropriately, was a key demand. Similarly, strengthening nutrition services within community health centers and ensuring that SNAP benefits adequately support healthy food choices for individuals with diabetes were emphasized. The ADA’s policy briefs detail how these elements of care are integral to preventing costly hospitalizations and long-term health complications, ultimately reducing the overall burden of diabetes on the healthcare system.

The Transformative Power of Personal Storytelling

One of the most profound and impactful aspects of the Call to Congress was the potent effect of personal storytelling. When advocates share their individual journeys—detailing the daily challenges, the moments of resilience, and the complex realities of living with diabetes—they forge deep connections and cultivate genuine understanding among lawmakers. Legislators are not merely presented with abstract statistics; they are confronted with the human faces and lived experiences behind the data. This direct engagement humanizes the issue of diabetes, making the need for policy reform more tangible and urgent.

The effectiveness of storytelling lies in its ability to transcend political divides and evoke empathy. By sharing personal narratives, advocates can illustrate the critical need for policy changes in a way that data alone cannot convey. These stories serve as powerful reminders that legislative decisions have direct and often life-altering consequences for individuals and families. The ADA actively encourages this practice, recognizing that personal testimonies are instrumental in shaping legislative priorities and driving impactful policy advancements.

Sustaining Advocacy Efforts: Looking Ahead

The advocacy work initiated at Call to Congress does not conclude with the adjournment of legislative sessions; it extends dynamically into communities, ongoing conversations, and sustained outreach efforts. To maintain momentum and continue driving meaningful change, advocates are encouraged to remain actively engaged through various avenues.

Key strategies for continued engagement include:

• Contacting Elected Officials Regularly: Maintaining consistent communication with congressional representatives through emails, phone calls, and letters to keep diabetes issues on their radar.
• Engaging on Social Media: Utilizing social media platforms to share personal stories, advocate for policy changes, and amplify the voices of the diabetes community.
• Participating in Local Advocacy: Joining or organizing local advocacy events, diabetes walks, and community forums to raise awareness and mobilize support.
• Educating Peers: Sharing information about diabetes policy priorities and encouraging fellow community members to become involved in advocacy.
• Supporting Diabetes Organizations: Continuing to support organizations like the American Diabetes Association and DiabetesSisters through donations, volunteering, and participation in their initiatives.

Every individual voice contributes significantly to the collective impact of the diabetes advocacy movement. By remaining engaged and united, the community can amplify its influence and achieve greater legislative success.

Collective Strength: Our Voices Unite for Change

This year’s ADA Call to Congress served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of collective action. When individuals affected by diabetes unite, they possess the power to effect substantial and lasting change. As women living with diabetes and as active members of organizations like DiabetesSisters, participants bring unique and invaluable perspectives to the policy-making arena. Their lived experiences, coupled with their deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs of managing diabetes, are essential to informing effective and equitable policy solutions.

The commitment to mutual support, open communication, and persistent advocacy is crucial for forging a future where every individual impacted by diabetes has equitable access to the necessary care, resources, and support systems required to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The journey toward a diabetes-free future, or at least a future where diabetes is effectively managed and its burden is significantly reduced, requires ongoing collaboration and a unified voice.

Share Your Story: Amplifying Impact

Personal narratives are among the most potent tools in the advocacy arsenal. By sharing their stories, individuals living with diabetes can illuminate the realities of their daily lives for policymakers on Capitol Hill, thereby fostering greater understanding and driving meaningful legislative progress for the entire diabetes community. The ADA provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences, contributing to a broader narrative that informs and inspires action.

About the Contributor: Marta Dospiva Legan is a dedicated DiabetesSisters Member and Meetup Host, actively contributing to the empowerment and advocacy efforts of the diabetes community.