Brazil enacts law expanding rights for people with type 1 diabetes

The Brazilian Congress approved Law 15.439/2026, which was signed by the President and published in the Official Gazette on 29 April. The legislation grants people with type 1 diabetes (estimated at about 600 000 in Brazil) a range of new rights.

Key provisions include guaranteed access to medicines and supplies through the Unified Health System (SUS), the right to carry and use glucose monitors, continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps at schools, workplaces and public services, and mandatory pauses for glucose monitoring, insulin injection and meals during classes, work shifts and public‑service exams. The law also bans discrimination based on the condition, requires appropriate school meals, flexible scheduling for caregivers, and allows health information to be recorded on the National Identity Card for emergency assistance. While the law treats type 1 diabetes as a possible disability, recognition depends on meeting the criteria of the Disability Statute.

The measure originated from Senate Bill 5.868/2025, introduced by Senator Randolfe Rodrigues (AP). A presidential veto that had linked certain benefits to a specific biopsychosocial evaluation was removed, clearing the way for the final text. The law aims to improve health outcomes, educational inclusion and workplace accommodations for people with type 1 diabetes across Brazil.