Welcome to JDRF Northwest!

We are committed to funding the world’s best research to cure type 1 diabetes and its complications. JDRF Northwest serves people in Washington, Montana, and Alaska through advocacy efforts, online support and resources, educational events, research updates, fundraisers, and Northwest diabetes resources.

News Highlights

New Vaccine May Help People with Type 1 Diabetes in Future

Swedish researchers have developed a vaccine that may change the way the immune system responds in people who are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The findings will be published in the Oct. 30 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Johnny Ludvigsson of Linkoping University Hospital, the study’s lead author, will discuss the vaccine at the Oct. 18 Seattle Sweden Diabetes Awareness Day.

Register Now for International Research Update (Oct. 18)

U.S. and European researchers will discuss recent study findings and updates on type 1 diabetes triggers and treatments during the annual Seattle Sweden Diabetes Awareness Day. Registration is required for this free event, which takes place from 10am–3pm on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle.

“Hygiene Hypothesis” Linked To Diabetes Prevention In JDRF-Funded Study

A research study funded by JDRF suggests that a common intestinal bacteria may provide some protection from developing type 1 diabetes. The findings, reported in Nature Magazine, provide an important step towards understanding how and why type 1 diabetes develops in people, and may lead to potential cures.

Progression of Type 1 Diabetes Stopped with Short-Term Drug Use

Researchers at Columbia University and the University of California, San Francisco have halted the course of early stage type 1 diabetes for a year by treating patients for just two weeks with a new immune-suppressive drug, which only had minor side effects. The year-long clinical trial is the first to stop the progression of type 1 diabetes using a short-term therapy specifically targeting disease-causing T-cells.

Continuous Glucose Control Improves Pregnancy Outcomes in Diabetes

For diabetic women, continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy may not only improve glycemic control but also diminish the risk of complications, researchers found.

UW Researchers Find Intensive Insulin Therapy May Reduce Risk of Hypertension

Patients with type 1 diabetes appear to be less likely to develop hypertension if they maintain tight glycemic control for a prolonged period of time, long-term follow-up of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) shows.

JDRF Research Director and Brother Discuss Positive, Personal Benefits of CGMs

JDRF’s Dr. Aaron Kowalski and his brother Steve discuss their type 1 diabetes, advances in CGM technology, and an artificial pancreas with New York’s CBS news staff.

JDRF Clinical Trial Shows Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGMs) Improves Blood Sugar Control

Results from a multi-center clinical trial funded by JDRF, to be published in the Oct. 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, has found that people with type 1 diabetes who used CGM devices experienced significant improvements in blood sugar control. Better long-term control of glucose levels may decrease the risk for complications.

Pressuring Insurance Companies to Cover CGMs

One woman’s fight for insurance coverage for a continuous glucose monitor is gathering nationwide support. Please take a moment to help JDRF secure coverage for CGMs.

Researchers Convert Pancreas Cells to Produce Insulin

Scientists at Harvard University have transformed one type of cell into another in living mice, a huge step toward the goal of growing replacement tissues to treat diabetes and other diseases. Ordinary pancreas cells were changed into the rarer type that churns out insulin. This exciting breakthrough is a major leap in reprogramming cells, and suggests that someday doctors might be able to use a patient's own cells to treat disease without turning to stem cells taken from embryos.

Enter to Join Nick Jonas’ JDRF Walk Team!

Four lucky winners will join Team Jonas at the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes on Nov. 1 in Los Angeles. Register for your chance to win from now until Oct. 1 – and learn more about this popular teen musician and type 1 diabetes activist.

New Members Energize JDRF Northwest Boards

JDRF Northwest welcomed several new community leaders to two regional boards this summer. Michael Boyle, Sean Curran, Jonathan Letcher, Bob Nielsen, and Clay Thomson joined the Seattle board of directors, with Mark Bacik at the helm as president. On the South Sound board, we welcomed: Kathleen Clark, Peggy DeGregory, Bobby Erickson, Lisa Kelly, Brynn Meines, and Carol Steifer under the leadership of president Dave Corry.

Tips for Dealing with a New Diagnosis in College

Being a newly-diagnosed college student presents unique challenges for young people. Learn how to make the most of college life with type 1 diabetes, while taking the best possible care of yourself.

Tacoma Teen Athletes Join Type 1 Study

Four teenage rowers are determined not to let diabetes stop them from their athletic goals. They've gone one step further by joining a JDRF-Benaroya Research Institute study to unlock the mysteries of this automimmune disease. Learn how you can help!

Artificial Pancreas Just Years Away, Agree Experts

Top researchers believe that linking continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps into an artificial pancreas for millions of people living with diabetes may become a realistic development in the next few years.

Promising Research on Track, Thanks to NW Legislators

JDRF Northwest is grateful to the elected officials from Washington, Montana, and Alaska who rallied support to earmark millions of dollars for type 1 clinical trials and research grants through the Special Diabetes Program this summer.

Congress Approves $300 Million for Type 1 Research

The U.S. Senate passed a Medicare bill including $300 million for research through the Special Diabetes Program in mid-July. The House approved the bill in June. With strong Congressional support, the bill will become law despite President Bush’s veto.

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Volunteer for JDRF Northwest!

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Help in the Office
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Call 206-838-5153 or e-mail jdrfnorthwest@jdrf.org to learn more!