Diabetes Lobbying A Success For 7-Year-Old

POCATELLO, Idaho -- Eastern Idaho may have its next lobbyist in training -- and she is only 7-years-old. Sydney Lyons traveled to Washington, D.C., recently to talk to Congress about funding more research for Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is currently incurable and, unlike Type 2 diabetes, is genetic and cannot be treated with a change in diet or exercise.



Sydney, and her mom Shamae, said the trip was a success. Sydney was part of the annual Children's Congress with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and was able to meet Idaho's congressmen, as well as talk to the Congressional Diabetes Caucus.

The trip was not perfect, however; Sydney's blood sugar kept spiking and dropping because of the long days and east coast humidity. Shamae and Sydney said that is one more reason why the Food and Drug Administration needs to approve testing on an artificial pancreas that can help regulate insulin levels better. They believe it would be one step closer to a cure.

"If they had found a cure, I would be happy that I didn't have diabetes anymore because I don't like pricking my finger and all that other stuff," Sydney said.

An FDA spokesman told the Children's Congress that experimental guidelines for an artificial pancreas would be drafted by the end of the year. The device is currently available in several foreign countries, Shamae said.

The JDRF is hosting an upcoming fundraiser and walk on Sept. 17 in Idaho Falls. For information, visit www.jdrf.org.

Report a typo or inaccuracy


Copyright 2011 NPG Of Idaho. All rights reserved.