The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held an oversight hearing this morning on diabetes.

Witnesses testified about the success of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, a program created by Congress. Funding for $150 million in annual grants is due to expire in September 2011.

The hearing lasted about 90 minutes. Audio clips can be downloaded below:

• Opening Statements

Panel # 1
• Testimony | Q&A
Dr. Judith Fradkin
Director, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health

Mr. Wes Studi
Professional Actor and Native American health advocate

Mr. Gary Hall
Olympian Swimmer, 10-time Olympic medalist

Dr, Melvina McCabe, MD
President, Association of American Indian Physicians

Mr. Caitlin Baker
Muscogee Creek Nation, Founder of Caitlinb

Committee Notices:
BUSINESS MEETING on pending committee issues (June 30, 2010)
OVERSIGHT HEARING on A Way Out of the Diabetes Crisis in Indian Country and Beyond (June 30, 2010)

Related Stories:
Agenda for Senate Indian Affairs Committee business meeting (6/29)
Witness list for Indian Affairs Committee hearing on diabetes (6/28)
Series: Bad River Band suffers from very high rate of diabetes (6/25)
Senate Indian Affairs Committee meeting, hearing on June 30 (06/24)
Indian Country takes aim at alarming rate of Type 2 diabetes (6/24)