Welcome to JDRF Northwest Chapter!
We are committed to funding the world’s best research to cure type 1 diabetes and its complications. We serve people in Washington, Montana, and Alaska through advocacy efforts, online support and resources, educational events, research updates, fundraisers, and Northwest diabetes resources.
News Highlights
Help JDRF Win $100,000 during the Super Bowl!
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is helping JDRF try to win $100,000 in grants as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, an online campaign to fund programs that will have a positive impact on people's lives. Just go to www.nfl.com/pepsirefresh and vote for Sanchez, or text 'MARK' to PEPSI (73774). Voting ends at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5.
Head of Art. Pancreas Project Answers Questions about New Developments
The new partnership between JDRF and Animas Corporation to accelerate the development of an artificial pancreas made news throughout the medical community. Dr. Aaron Kowalski answered readers' questions at Diabetesmine.com.
JDRF Announces First Step to Artificial Pancreas
JDRF has launched a new partnership with Animas Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson Company that manufactures insulin delivery and glucose management systems, that could dramatically change the future of diabetes management. If successful, this would be the first step towards developing a fully-automated artificial pancreas, which would be among the most significant advances in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. JDRF is working with researchers and companies around the world with the goal of having multiple versions of an artificial pancreas for people with type 1 diabetes.
JDRF Partners with Industry to Speed T1 Treatments
JDRF is joining forces with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) to support BD's research and development of new pumps that deliver insulin to a patient in an infusion set or a patch-pump configuration. In other recent developments, Fast Forward, Axxam SpA, and JDRF will collaborate to accelerate treatments that target the immune system, including type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Insulin Pill Testing Begins
Novo Nordisk started phase 1 testing of an insulin pill that potentially could replace injections as the primary means of blood sugar control for millions of people with diabetes. The preliminary results on 80 volunteers are expected in 2011.
Have a Heart –and a Slice– for JDRF!
From February 12-14, visit a Boston's Pizza Restaurant in Washington, Montana, or Alaska, and the restaurant will donate $1 to JDRF for every heart-shaped pizza, dessert, or paper heart that you purchase. Treat your family or your Valentine to the pizza that gives back!
Tacoma Dog Trainer Debuts Novel Alert Method
Ron Pace, a JDRF Northwest local hero and owner of Canyon Crest K-9 Training Center, is drawing on decades of experience teaching police dogs to offer people a new, four-legged tool to monitor their blood sugar. Learn about his Dogabetics business, training approach, and first teenage client.
Living a Healthier Life in 2010
JDRF invested $171 million in type 1 cures and treatments during fiscal year 2008. What does this mean for you? Learn about new medical equipment and upcoming developments (including tattoos!) that can simplify and improve your diabetes management this year.
NIH Authorizes New Stem Cell Use
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has approved 13 new human embryonic stem cell lines for use by federally-funded scientists—with 96 more under review—paving the way for research into many diseases such as type 1 diabetes. Read JDRF’s response to this new development.
One Day with Artificial Pancreas: “Near Miraculous”
Read about a 49-year-old man with type 1 diabetes who used an artificial pancreas for a single day as part of a clinical test. JDRF’s Dr. Aaron Kowalski, program director of metabolic control, says the artificial pancreas should be available for widespread use in two to three years.
Type 1 Cellist Performs at White House
Acclaimed 27-year-old cellist Alisa Weilerstein, who has type 1 diabetes and is an advocate for JDRF, performed for President Obama, the First Lady, and music students from across the country during the White House Music Series event devoted to classical music.
New iPhone App. among diaTribe Product News
The latest e-newsletter from diaTribe, a JDRF partner organization, includes a review of the new GoMeals iPhone application that helps you count carbs, find nutritional information when you're eating out, and track meals, ways to make the most out of every doctor’s visit, and other new products. Sign up for the free newsletter.
Read the Latest JDRF Research News
The new issue of Research Frontline (PDF) covers why insulin-producing cells lose their ability to regenerate with age, possible therapies targeting immune system B cells rather than T cells, promising findings from a regeneration study in mice, and more.
Type 1 Diabetes and H1N1 Flu
The spread of swine flu has raised concerns among people with type 1 diabetes. Review this list of resources from JDRF to learn more.
Indian Company Aims to Produce Insulin Pill in 2011
Biocon Ltd., India's largest biotechnology company, plans to begin commercial production of an insulin pill within 18 months, giving millions of diabetes sufferers a new way to control blood sugar.
Volunteer for JDRF Northwest!
Whatever your interest, we’d love your help in our quest for a cure:
- Help in the Office
- Staff an Event
- Intern with Us
- Be a Gov. Relations Advocate
- Work at a Health Fair
- Serve on a Committee
- Donate Your Business Services
Call 206-838-5153 or e-mail jdrfnorthwest@jdrf.org to learn more!
