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Congressman Tom Reed, co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, lauded the announcement of a major medical breakthrough for type one diabetics.

"We care about getting critical healthcare resources to those living diabetes. This is something I am all too familiar with, since my son is a type one diabetic. It's only right that we continue to support these innovations and celebrate the improvement in the quality of life for so many who struggle with this disease. We will continue to stand with those in the diabetes community," said Reed.

The announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was the approval of the first artificial pancreas system, which allows for easier, less painful and more regular regulation of blood sugar level in people with type 1 diabetes.

Reed is an ardent supporter of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), leading a bipartisan charge to advance the program with House leadership. His letter to support the program has over 340 signatories. The program targets research efforts surrounding type one diabetes and largely contributed to the final development of the approved device. Its estimate these kinds of devices could save Medicare roughly $1 billion over 25 years, by mitigating the medical impacts and complications that develop over time as a result of the condition.

Reed has also sponsored legislation which would require Medicare to cover the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems.  The bill boasts wide bipartisan support with over 260 cosponsors.

"This is a huge step forward for medicine, and it will be transformative for countless people with type 1 diabetes, including my own daughter," said Diabetes Caucus co-Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO). "Our work to urge the FDA forward in this process, and to fund the research through the National Institutes of Health, has paid off.  I look forward to providing similar support to the next-generation technologies that are also on the verge of improving outcomes for people with this disease, which is common but devilishly difficult to address."

The device, known as the Medtronic MiniMed 670G hybrid, is a closed-loop system that automates the management of blood sugar levels and simulates the effect of a healthy pancreas. The device consists of an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor and software to automate the delivery insulin as needed, without shots or blood testing strips.

"This is a lifelong disease requiring constant monitoring and diligent care. My wife and I recognize this struggle and empathize with so many who are faced with this challenge, given our own life experience with my son's health issues. That is why we are hopeful this is another breakthrough of many in the fight against this disease. Together, we ultimately will find a cure," Reed concluded.

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