Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Enhance Type 1 Diabetes Screening

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Strengthening Collective Resources for Encouraging Education Needed (SCREEN) for Type 1 Diabetes Act, which aims to raise awareness around the importance of Type 1 Diabetes screening. Representative Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by CongressmanJohn Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Susan Collins (ME). 

Approximately two million Americans live with Type 1 Diabetes, with most of those diagnosed during their childhood years. Screening for Type 1 Diabetes is available through a blood test that measures certain autoantibodies.  Representative Schrier’s bill would raise awareness around the importance of Type 1 Diabetes screening and start a patient-provider conversation about the risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes and how to identify diabetes symptoms. 

This legislation would specifically:

• Direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to carry out a national campaign to increase awareness and knowledge of type 1 diabetes detection, screening, and management. 
• Authorize $5 million for CDC to carry out the campaign. 

“As a person with Type 1 Diabetes, I know personally the challenges that come with managing this disease and the importance of screening for this condition. Early detection makes new-onset T1D easier to catch and means that kids won’t end up in the hospital with life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis. Early diagnosis means they can be treated in the doctor’s office rather than in the ICU,” said Rep. Schrier, M.D. “My bill will improve public awareness about the importance and value of screening for Type 1 Diabetes and help patients get early treatment, mitigation, and management.”

“Currently, more than 1.1 million Pennsylvanians live with Type 1 Diabetes. The SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act would empower parents and caregivers with the necessary tools to recognize and treat this disease,” said Rep. Joyce, M.D. “Early detection is critical to getting patients the care that they need before they suffer symptoms, sequela, or a life-threatening diabetic emergency, and I'm proud to support this vital legislation that will help families take control of this disease.”

“Far too many Americans don’t know they have type 1 diabetes until they need emergency care, which creates serious health risks for children and families,” said Senator Shaheen. “By raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes at a young age, we can better detect, diagnose and treat this life-threatening disease. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act with Senator Collins, so type 1 patients like my granddaughter can live healthy, happy lives.”  

“Early detection of Type 1 diabetes can prevent life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis and potentially allow for the use of therapeutics to delay the clinical onset of the condition, helping to improve patients' quality of life and reliance on insulin,” said Senator Collins. “By encouraging early detection and screenings, this bipartisan bill would empower both health care providers and the public with the knowledge to identify and manage T1D effectively.”

“The American Diabetes Association applauds Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congresswoman Kim Schrier for introducing the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act.  Type 1 diabetes affects nearly 2 million Americans. Lack of awareness and early detection often leads to life threatening complications before diagnosis.  This bill would drastically improve public awareness, screening, and early detection of type 1 diabetes, especially for the 304,000 children and adolescents affected. ADA is committed to our mission of finding a cure for diabetes and we strongly encourage members of Congress to support this legislation,” said Charles “Chuck” Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association.

“Breakthrough T1D applauds Drs. Schrier and Joyce for introducing the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act of 2024”, said Lynn Starr, Chief Global Advocacy Officer for Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF. “This bill is a critical first step to screening and early detection of type I diabetes. Screening and early detection helps avoid life threatening medical emergencies often associated with diagnosis of T1D and gives newly diagnosed people time to plan and prepare for life with the disease. Early detection and screening also provide opportunities for individuals to participate in clinical trials and consider therapies to delay onset. As Breakthrough T1D continues to work on finding cures for type 1 diabetes, we must ensure that all communities are equipped with the knowledge and awareness about the disease and when to screen for it.”

This legislation is supported by the American Diabetes Association and Breakthrough T1D.