Diabetes

Addressing Diabetes in AI/AN Communities: SDPI and SDP Programs

At a rate approximately 2 times the national average, AI/ANs have the highest prevalence of diabetes. In some AI/AN communities, over 50% of adults have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and AI/ANs are 1.8 times more likely to die from diabetes.

Congress established the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) in 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget Act to address the growing epidemic of diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. The Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes (SDP) was established at the same time to address the opportunities in type 1 diabetes research. Together, these programs have become the nation’s most strategic, comprehensive and effective effort to combat diabetes and its complications. SDPI currently provides grants for 301 programs in 35 states.

Renewal of SDPI: Challenges and Need for Long-Term Funding

The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) has been extended through March 31, 2025, at $39,261,745 million, held flat at its $160 million annual funding level. This would bring FY 2025 total funding to $79,590,512 million. On March 9, the program received a $10 million increase included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-42). This was the first increase the program had received in over 20 years. Temporary reauthorizations create uncertainty and demonstrates the need for long-term funding for this successful program.

SDPI currently does not permit Tribes and Tribal organizations to receive SDPI awards through Title I contracting or Title V compacting agreements under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA).

We seriously need the Diabetes Prevention Program in our community. The longer it is here, the more people it will help to prevent diabetes.

– Charlotte McConnell, Tlingit, SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium Lifestyle Balance and Diabetes Prevention Program

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NIHB Response to Executive Orders

President Trump’s recent Executive Orders on federal funding could have serious implications for Tribal health. NIHB is actively advocating for Tribal Nations and providing key updates—click to learn more and access resources.