But some patients see a vast inequity in the disbursements. But diabetes was grounded. S.C. Then, in 1989, he was diagnosed with diabetes and had to go on insulin, which caused him to lose his pilot's license. If we don't, we are going to fall further and further behind. If we continue to rely on NIH, diabetes will never be funded the way it should be.
Complications are almost inevitable.
By beating my chest out there, being the squeaky wheel, I am taking action, I am not just sitting back and letting the disease control me. I have a chance to make a positive contribution to a cure. At a time of generally increased funding for the National Institutes of Health, the American Diabetes Association has pressed for catch-up appropriations to make up for lost time, but so far its campaign has failed to get the results supporters had hoped for. Just as the disease groups are stepping up their lobbying efforts, strong leaders in Congress and in the scientific community are exerting a countervailing force on the process. No American is more influential in this arena than Porter, who has flatly refused to respond to the pleas of disease-specific organizations that money be earmarked for their cause in the annual NIH budget.