ADA Leads Coalition Opposing Proposed Rule Threatening Federal Diabetes Research Funding as 143,000+ Comments Filed
Key Insights
The American Diabetes Association (search) has mobilized over 143,000 public comments opposing a proposed federal rule that risks undermining the stability and integrity of the U.S. diabetes (search) research enterprise.
The proposed rule revises guidelines for federal financial assistance, with the ADA warning it could jeopardize the predictability of federally funded research programs.
The House Appropriations Committee approved a FY 2027 funding measure with incremental increases for NIH and CDC diabetes (search) programs, though the ADA states these increases are not commensurate with the growing disease burden.
The American Diabetes Association (search) (ADA), in collaboration with the broader science and diabetes (search) community, has driven an extraordinary public response to a proposed federal rule that the organization warns could destabilize the nation's diabetes research infrastructure. As of July 1, 2026, more than 143,000 comments had been submitted opposing the rule, which revises guidelines for federal financial assistance—a level of engagement the ADA describes as "incredible."
"This is an incredible level of engagement. It is heartening to see the strength of the science and patient advocacy communities when we are united in a common cause," the ADA stated, underscoring the unified response from researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates.
The proposed rule, according to the ADA, risks undermining the stability, predictability, and integrity of the federal research enterprise. The comment period remains open until July 13, and the ADA is urging its community to continue submitting comments through its online tool and to contact members of Congress directly.
Federal Funding Landscape for FY 2027
The advocacy push comes as the House Appropriations Committee approved a FY 2027 funding measure in early June that includes incremental increases for diabetes (search) research and prevention programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Key provisions of the House committee proposal include a $100 million increase for the NIH overall, with a $22 million increase specifically for the National Institute of Diabetes (search) and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The CDC's Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion—which houses the Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT), the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), and the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (search) (DNPAO)—would receive $873,199,000. Within that allocation, DDT and the National DPP would each receive a $2 million increase, while DNPAO funding would decrease by $37.8 million.
Funding Falls Short of Disease Burden, ADA Says
Despite acknowledging these incremental increases, the ADA has made clear that the proposed funding levels are insufficient. "While we are appreciative of these incremental increases for key diabetes (search) research and prevention programs, the burden of diabetes and obesity (search) is outpacing this investment," the organization stated.
The ADA recently issued a statement in response to the FY 2027 House funding package, noting that it "isn't commensurate with the growing burden of the disease." The federal government remains the largest funder of diabetes (search) research in the United States, and the ADA emphasizes that robust funding is vital to "creating a pipeline of innovation and progress toward a cure and better treatment options."
The organization is actively lobbying appropriators throughout the funding process, bringing in key stakeholders for in-person and virtual meetings at critical junctures. The ADA has pledged to remain engaged throughout every step of the appropriations process.
"The fight to preserve funding for research continues," the ADA stated, calling on its community to speak up on behalf of the 155 million individuals living with diabetes (search) and prediabetes (search). "Your voices and advocacy matter. And we are stronger together."