Committee approves bill to expand pediatric type 1 diabetes testing and seek federal grants

A legislative committee unanimously approved a bill aimed at increasing pediatric testing for type 1 diabetes and seeking federal grants to support earlier detection.

Vice Chair Marty, presenting the Diabetes Caucus’s top request for the session, said the bill would encourage more doctors to test for type 1 diabetes earlier so children are not diagnosed only after life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis sends them to an emergency room. “We’re just trying to get more doctors, some federal funding, and more doctors aware and testing for this,” the presenter said.

A committee member asked whether testing is not already routine; the presenter acknowledged that many physicians do test but said gaps remain, citing cases where children discover type 1 diabetes only after hospitalization. The presenter noted Medicaid already covers the testing, and that because of fiscal constraints some parts of the bill were removed to avoid state fiscal impact.

With no debate, the clerk reported a vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays and the chair declared Senate Bill 14-27 passed.

The bill will move on to further legislative consideration; members suggested outreach to encourage well-child visits so screening can occur.