US Federal Funding for diabetes uncertain

Diabetes, the debilitating pandemic that is sweeping the globe, is particularly evident in America. An estimated 20.8 million Americans are suffering from the disease, whilst at least another third go undiagnosed. It is also an incredibly costly disease in terms of healthcare, with 2002 figures in America topping $130 billion. At a time when the severity of diabetes is being recognised, it appears that the Bill of Congress for 2006 contains cuts in key areas.
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are two key institutions in treating diabetes in American, and the cuts could have an enormous impact on them. Further institutions are also facing cuts, including NIDDK. The Division of Diabetes Translatio, an aid organisation that helps diabetes sufferers control and manage the disease, is facing $300,000 cuts.
The American Diabetes Association is understandably upset by the decisio, particularly in the light of growing evidence of increasing diabetes. They have highlighted the fact that care at a preventative stage, coupled with intensive diabetes management, could actually save the government vast amounts of money in the long-term. Controversial changes to the Medicaid system are causing further confusion amongst the diabetes community.