john,

Forty years ago this year, on April Fool’s Day, my doctor told me I had Type 1 Diabetes.

Yes, I asked him if it was a joke. No, it wasn’t one.

It was scary for me because I’d have to take shots and prick my fingers to test my blood sugar. It was scary for my parents because at that time, people with diabetes didn’t always stay healthy, and they worried about what having diabetes would mean for the rest of my life.

Thankfully, I had a doctor, educators, and incredible parents who supported me and helped me navigate this new normal and take the best possible care of myself. My dad, in 1985, would plot my blood sugars on our new Macintosh computer to analyze trends.

Dr. Kaufman was my lifesaver at the time. She also inspired me to become a pediatrician. I’m so grateful I had the care I did as a teenager because it got me off to the right start, and I want to make sure everyone with diabetes gets the care they deserve.

November marks American Diabetes Month—a time for us to learn about the disease, how to identify it early, and how to manage it. With prompt detection and good management, people with diabetes now live very healthy lives.

Education about managing this disease is crucial and saves lives. That’s why I’ve used my role in Congress to introduce the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act, a bill that would strengthen diabetes education and care for seniors.

I was proud to cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month for people on Medicare, and was excited afterwards to see that insulin manufacturers voluntarily dropped the prices on many types of insulin, finally making life-saving insulin affordable for everyone.

I’ve introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation to expand screening for Type 1 Diabetes, and have supported legislation that would help people with pre-diabetes avoid developing Type 2 Diabetes.

And, of course, I always advocate for the most robust NIH funding to support this nation’s traditionally cutting-edge research. This includes diabetes research.

I’m proud of the work I’ve done to support others with this disease, but I know we still have a long way to go to ensure everyone living with diabetes has the knowledge, care, and support they need to live long and healthy lives. Everyone deserves access to affordable care and medications.

We need robust research and a healthcare system that works for all of us. We need stronger coverage, affordable medicines and premiums, lower deductibles and co-pays, and less red tape. This American Diabetes Month, I pledge to continue my work to strengthen our access to healthcare, but I need you with me. Will you add your name next to mine to demand that Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans reverse their cuts to Medicaid and the ACA, and that Congress continue the fight for better healthcare access for all? >> [link removed]

Thank you for taking the time to read my story,

Kim





Rep. Kim Schrier is a doctor, scientist, and mom, fighting for Washington's 8th District in Congress. This is one of the most competitive districts in the country, so we need your help to keep Kim in Congress. Chip in now to help protect Kim's seat.

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PO Box 2728
Issaquah, WA 98027
United States

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