ADA Call to Congress 2026: A Powerful Step Forward for Diabetes Advocacy

Lifting Our Voices Together: Urging Congress to Make Diabetes a Priority

On March 11–13, I had the honor of joining fellow diabetes advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Call to Congress 2026. As a proud member and peer meetup host of DiabetesSisters, I was especially inspired to stand alongside a community of individuals—many of us women—living with diabetes, sharing our lived experiences and advocating for meaningful change.

Call to Congress is the ADA’s premier advocacy initiative, empowering people with diabetes and their families to educate legislators about the real-life impact of this condition and the urgent priorities facing our community.

Why Call to Congress Matters to Our Community

Call to Congress feels like more than an event—it’s a powerful reminder that our voices matter.

It’s an opportunity to:

• Share our personal stories
• Be heard by decision-makers
• Advocate for policies that directly impact our daily lives

Whether it’s access to insulin, technology, or supportive care, these conversations help ensure that the unique needs of women living with diabetes—and our families—are not overlooked.

For many of us, the experience is both empowering and deeply personal. We bring not just facts, but the emotional and real-world realities of managing diabetes every day.

Top Advocacy Priorities Shared in 2026

At the heart of Call to Congress are the ADA’s key federal policy priorities for 2026:

1. Protect & Expand Federal Funding for Research and Prevention

Advocates urged Congress to protect and strengthen federal funding for diabetes research and prevention programs. Agencies like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation and National Diabetes Prevention Program play a critical role in advancing research, improving care, and working toward better treatments—and ultimately, a cure.

Continued investment in these programs is essential now, for our future, and for the generations that follow.

2. Make Insulin More Affordable and Accessible

The high cost of insulin remains one of the most urgent and emotional challenges for many in the diabetes community. During our meetings, we shared personal stories about the burden of affordability and the difficult choices many individuals and families face.

We called on lawmakers to take meaningful action to reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure that everyone—regardless of insurance type—has access to the insulin they need to survive and thrive.

3. Expand Access to Quality Care, Including Nutrition and Technology

Access to care goes beyond medication. It includes diabetes technology (like continuous glucose monitors), access to nutrition education, and support through programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

These resources are especially important for women and families who are often balancing multiple responsibilities. When access is limited, the impact on health and well-being can be profound.

The Power of Sharing Our Stories

One of the most meaningful parts of Call to Congress was witnessing the impact of storytelling. When we share our journeys—the challenges, the resilience, the everyday realities—we create connection and understanding.

Lawmakers don’t just hear statistics—they hear us.

And that’s where change begins.

Looking Ahead: Staying Engaged Together

Advocacy doesn’t end when Call to Congress concludes—it continues in our communities, our conversations, and our ongoing outreach.

We can continue to make a difference by:

• Staying engaged with our elected officials
• Responding to advocacy alerts
• Sharing our stories and supporting one another

Every voice adds strength to our collective impact.

Together, Our Voices Matter

This year’s ADA Call to Congress was a powerful reminder that when we come together as a community, we can drive real change.

As women living with diabetes—and as part of DiabetesSisters—we bring unique and important perspectives that deserve to be heard.

Let’s continue to support one another, speak up, and advocate for a future where everyone affected by diabetes has access to the care, resources, and support they need to live healthy, full lives.

Share Your Story

Your story is powerful. By sharing it, you help bring the realities of living with diabetes to Capitol Hill and support meaningful change for our entire community. Share Your Story here.

About the Contributor: Marta Dospiva Legan is a DiabetesSisters Member and Meetup Host.