Image from breakthrought1d.org: How a 28-Year-Old Federal Program Saved $50 Billion in Healthcare Costs

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Cure & Advancements/September 26, 2025/2 min read

How a 28-Year-Old Federal Program Saved $50 Billion in Healthcare Costs

New analysis shows that research funded by the Special Diabetes Program has generated substantial federal savings through innovations like continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery systems. The program is now facing expiration and needs congressional renewal.

News report — unverified, pending corroboration

Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.

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Key takeaways

The Special Diabetes Program has generated over $50 billion in federal healthcare savings since its creation in 1997
SDP-funded research led to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, now standard care for Type 1 diabetes
These technologies benefit people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and save money across Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs
The program is set to expire and requires congressional action to continue funding diabetes research

A Program That Pays for Itself

For nearly three decades, the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) has quietly supported some of the most important advances in Type 1 diabetes care. Now, new analysis reveals just how valuable that investment has been: the program has generated more than $50 billion in federal healthcare savings.

Created by Congress in 1997 and administered by the National Institutes of Health, the SDP provides federal funding to support research aimed at preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Type 1 diabetes. An economic analysis by Avalere Health, supported by Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), quantified the program's impact by examining federal cost savings from SDP-backed innovations.

Innovations That Changed Diabetes Care

Two major innovations emerged from SDP-supported research: continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. Today, these technologies are considered the standard of care for Type 1 diabetes management.

The savings aren't limited to people with Type 1 diabetes. As these technologies have become more widely available, they've also benefited people with Type 2 diabetes, improving health outcomes across both populations. The Avalere analysis focused on direct medical expenditures and calculated savings to major federal insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Program Faces an Expiration Date

Despite its proven track record, the Special Diabetes Program is set to expire. Congressional action is needed to renew the funding and allow research to continue.

Bipartisan champions in Congress support the SDP's continuation: Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), along with Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). Breakthrough T1D is leading advocacy efforts to encourage members of Congress to renew the program and sustain investment in Type 1 diabetes research.

Evidence label

Origin: breakthrought1d.org (News report). Evidence: News report — unverified, pending corroboration. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

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