Opinion

Thanks to Roskam for urging FDA to action

Posted October 30, 2011 5:00 am

Recently, I had the chance to meet with Congressman Peter Roskam to talk about the challenges facing people with Type 1 diabetes and the promise of an artificial pancreas — a new technology that will revolutionize diabetes care.

As the parent of a 10-year old daughter with Type 1 diabetes, I’m all too aware of the many costly and devastating short and long-term complications including: kidney failure, seizure, coma, heart disease, blindness and amputation. I dream of the day when she will have an artificial pancreas because it will significantly reduce the chances of developing these debilitating complications and could even save her life.

I am frustrated, however, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been slow to move forward with this lifesaving technology while millions of people wait for it. Thankfully, Congressman Roskam understands the urgency of getting this technology to the Type 1 diabetes community and is a leader for us in the U.S. House of Representatives. Not only did he join a bipartisan majority of his colleagues in calling on the FDA to take action on the artificial pancreas, he personally urged the FDA to act in an official House floor statement.

Congressman Roskam, from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my daughter, thank you for your support of the artificial pancreas. Your voice is deeply appreciated.

Lisa R. Callaway

Elmhurst

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