Kim Schrier

05/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/26/2026 10:07

Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Type 1 Diabetes Screening

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), reintroduced the Strengthening Collective Resources for Encouraging Education Needed (SCREEN) for Type 1 Diabetes Act, legislation aimed at raising awareness around the importance of Type 1 Diabetes screening. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman John Joyce (R-PA), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

"As a pediatrician and someone with Type 1 Diabetes for over 40 years, I know the challenges that come with managing the disease and understand how critical early diagnosis is," said Congresswoman Schrier. "Early detection of T1D is lifesaving and prevents patients from contracting diabetic ketoacidosis and life-threatening complications. I am proud to introduce this legislation, which will help patients and their families access early treatment and management tools - ultimately saving lives."
Over 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.
Congresswoman Schrier's legislation 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 symptoms.
This legislation would specifically:
  • Conduct a public awareness campaign to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes, as well as the importance of early detection and screening.
  • Require the CDC to consult with the National Academy of Medicine, health care provider associations, community health worker associations, nonprofits, state, local and tribal health departments, schools and universities to solicit advice on evidence-based information to use in the campaign.
  • Direct the CDC to award grants to one or more non-profit entities with histories of carrying out similar public awareness campaigns.

"Because the majority of Type 1 diabetics have no family history, many Americans don't know they have Type 1 until they need emergency care. That creates serious health risks for children and families that could be prevented by earlier detection and treatment," said Senator Shaheen. "By raising awareness about the signs and symptoms at a young age, we can better detect, diagnose and treat this life-threatening disease. I'm proud to introduce this commonsense bill to double down on our efforts to ensure 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 reduce their 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."

"Breakthrough T1D applauds Representatives Schrier and Joyce and Senators Shaheen and Collins for introducing the SCREEN for Type 1 Act, a bipartisan bill to promote awareness and early detection for type 1 diabetes (T1D)," said Lynn Starr, Breakthrough T1D's Chief Global Advocacy Officer. "Too many people first learn of a T1D diagnosis in the emergency room during a medical crisis. Screening and early detection can change that by reducing the risk of life-threatening complications, giving individuals and families valuable time to prepare, and connecting them to clinical trials and therapies that may delay disease onset.  As we continue advancing toward prevention and cures, we must ensure that families across the country can easily access screening and have the tools and information needed to respond." 
"The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Susan Collins, as well as Congresswoman Kim Schrier and Congressman John Joyce for reintroducing the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act. Type 1 diabetes affects nearly two million Americans. Lack of awareness and early detection often leads to life threatening complications before diagnosis. This bill would improve public awareness, screening, and could help early detection of type 1 diabetes. Early detection of type 1 diabetes autoantibodies may result in individuals accessing therapies to delay onset of the disease. The ADA is committed to our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes and we urge all members of Congress to support this legislation," said Lisa Murdock, Chief Advocacy Officer of the American Diabetes Association.
This legislation is supported by Breakthrough T1D and the American Diabetes Association.

###

Kim Schrier published this content on May 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 26, 2026 at 16:07 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]