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
Everest Climber to Speak at JDRF Bash in July
Join us at the Pacific Science Center on July 16 to celebrate at the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes Awards Party, and hear from type 1 mountaineer Will Cross. Cross has ascended the highest peaks on all seven continents and walked to the North and South Poles, all while managing diabetes. Hear his inspirational talk, and celebrate the success of the mighty Beat the Bridge teams, who raised more than $1 million for type 1 research! Call 206-838-5153 or e-mail beatthebridge@jdrf.org to RSVP for this free event.
Prepare for Summer Travel with Diabetes
The Mayo Clinic offers some helpful tips for managing diabetes while you’re out and about this summer.
Kids and Celebs Testify Before Congress for T1 Funding
Children with type 1 diabetes from around the country—including five from the Northwest—joined Nick Jonas, Mary Tyler Moore, and Sugar Ray Leonard to testify before Congress on the need for more research funding. The June 24 Senate hearing marked the end of Children’s Congress, which included a visit with President Obama at the White House, a Town Hall panel of athletes and celebrities impacted by diabetes, and individual visits for each kid delegate with their legislators. 
Genes Play Role in Regulating Glycemic Control
People with type 1 diabetes who exercise and eat well may still struggle to regulate glucose levels, according to a new study showing certain genes play a factor in controlling their levels. Researchers found four genes that play a role in a patient's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Two of the genes affect a person’s risk of complications from diabetes.
NW Board Attracts New Professionals
Several talented community leaders join the JDRF Northwest Chapter Board of Directors in July. John Crosetto, Gary Haines, Ron Kent, Amy Mouat-Hunter, Julie Spencer, and Lori Woods are new members of the Seattle board. On the South Sound board, we welcome Greg Amann, Dr. Barbara Marshall, and Julie Nordlund.
Study: Artificial Pancreas Effectively Controls Type 1 Diabetes
Researchers at the University of Virginia are reporting remarkable results from their pilot clinical study of the artificial pancreas. International researchers are collaborating on the project thanks to the establishment of the JDRF Artificial Pancreas Consortium.
Nick Jonas to Testify at JDRF Children’s Congress
Grammy-nominated musician Nick Jonas, who has type 1 diabetes, will testify for JDRF at the Senate hearing on the need for federal funding for type 1 research during Children’s Congress on June 22-24. Through their Change for the Children Foundation, the Jonas Brothers donated $200,000 to JDRF last year.
UW Researcher Shares the Latest on CGM
Dr. Irl Hirsch shares findings from his work on the JDRF-funded continuous glucose monitor (CGM) study, the pros and cons of the new device, and whether it’s suitable for children.
Sign Up for a “Promise” Meeting with Local Legislators
Please join JDRF’s Promise to Remember Me campaign, which starts in August. You’ll meet with your elected officials to share your story and ask for their promise for funding and legislation to support type 1 diabetes research and healthcare reform. JDRF volunteers will help you every step of the way.
Genes Play Role in Glycemic Control
People with diabetes who exercise daily and eat all the appropriate foods may still struggle to regulate their blood sugar, according to a recent showing certain genes play a role in controlling levels. The study found four genes play a role in a patient's ability to regulate sugar levels.
Podcast on Diabetic Retinopathy
Listen to an informative online conversation about diabetic retinopathy—and how you can protect your vision—hosted by two retina specialists and professors from UW Medicine.
CGM Also Benefits People with Good Glucose Control
Results from a multi-center JDRF clinical trial suggest that continuous glucose monitors (CGM) may help those with type 1 diabetes who already have good blood sugar control to lower the incidence of hypoglycemia, maintain tight control, and reduce long-term complications.
Judge with Type 1 Nominated to Supreme Court
President Obama nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who has had type 1 diabetes since she was eight years old and is another important role model for people living with diabetes.
Tacoma Student to Advocate on Capitol Hill
Fifth-grader Drew Pepin, one of the Northwest delegates to Children’s Congress, heads to Capitol Hill in June to drum up support from legislators for type 1 diabetes funding and the urgent need for a cure.
New Diabetes Genes Found
In one of the world's largest genetic studies and biggest breakthroughs toward understanding type 1 diabetes, an international group of scientists has identified more than 40 genes—including 25 new discoveries—as risk factors for the disease.
Scientists Move Closer to T1 Vaccine
With support from JDRF, Australian scientists are a major step closer to developing a vaccine which could stop people at risk from developing type 1 diabetes. Researchers found a way to stop the genetic condition from occurring in mice, and it appeared the protection was life-long.
Comment on New Stem Cell Guidelines
The National Institutes of Health released draft guidelines on stem cell research. Before they’re finalized, the public can comment on the draft. We hope to send the NIH as many supportive comments as possible.
Children’s Congress Delegate Throws Pitch for Mariners
Seven-year-old Ben Rosbach from Bellingham threw out the first pitch to Brandon Morrow, a Seattle pitcher with diabetes, at a Mariners game on April 23. Ben is raising awareness for type 1 diabetes as the Beat the Bridge youth ambassador and delegate to Children’s Congress this summer.
JDRF Receives $2.5 Million in Grants from Helmsley Trust
Two new grants from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust will support the Artificial Pancreas Project, and a chronic disease registry and biobank to increase the understanding and treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Alaska Teen Gears Up for Capitol Hill
Krista Thomson, a high school freshman and diabetes advocate in Juneau, is preparing a scrapbook for Congress members in hopes of gaining more support for type 1 funding during Children’s Congress in June.
Local Paper Spotlights Children’s Congress Delegate
Chloe Bacik, 12, of Edmonds was interviewed about her diabetes advocacy work and her upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. in June.
Stem Cell Transplants Buys Some Freedom from Insulin
People with type 1 diabetes who got stem cell transplants in an experimental protocol were able to go up to four years without needing insulin treatments. Although not involved in this small study, JDRF issued a response to the findings.
Connect to the Juvenation Online Community
Join Juvenation, a social network for people with type 1 diabetes (age 13 or older) created by JDRF. Post messages or videos about being a teen with type 1, diabetic eating disorders, raising kids with type 1 diabetes, adult diagnoses, and more.
Artificial Pancreas: Bridge to Future?
JDRF’s Director of Research, Dr. Aaron Kowalski, discussed the implications of an artificial pancreas in the April 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Mary Tyler Moore Book Benefits JDRF
A new book from JDRF’s International Chairman recounts the acclaimed actress’ 40-year battle with type 1 diabetes and her conversations with leading researchers working toward a cure. Growing Up Again: Life, Loves and Oh Yeah, Diabetes is on sale now. Moore is donating all her author proceeds to JDRF.
Mary Tyler Moore Discusses Diabetes with David Letterman
JDRF’s International Chairman since 1984 discussed her new book about living with diabetes for 40 years and her TV career with the host on March 24. Watch for her upcoming appearances on Good Morning America, The View, Rachael Ray Show, and more.
Dream Gala Marks Anniversary with Millions for Research
Over 1,000 patrons celebrated the JDRF Guild’s 20th Anniversary Dream Gala, raising more than $3 million in one evening, and $43 million in the past two decades.
Studies Show Viruses as Possible Cause of Diabetes
Two recent studies provide evidence that common viruses may cause childhood diabetes, paving the way for potential vaccines against the life-threatening condition.
President Lifts Ban on Stem Cell Funding
Reversing a policy of the Bush Administration, President Obama has authorized the use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research and called for further separation of science and politics.
Researchers Find Compounds that Trigger Beta Cell Replication
JDRF-funded scientists at the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation identified chemical compounds that can promote the growth of insulin-producing beta cells, an important step in the possible discovery of regenerative medicines for type 1 diabetes.
Three Major Health Plans Now Cover CGMs
New data on the benefits of continuous glucose monitors in controlling diabetes led United Healthcare, Aetna, and Kaiser Permanente to expand their coverage for this therapy. Learn more, and find resources if you’re seeking CGM coverage.
Local Kids Named to Children’s Congress
Five Northwest children will advocate for type 1 funding on Capitol Hill this summer as delegates to the JDRF Children’s Congress in Washington, DC.
JDRF Event Volunteers Needed
If you can spare a few hours, join the JDRF Northwest team at one of our fun spring events! Call 206-838-5153 or e-mail jdrfnorthwest@jdrf.org to get involved.
Seattle Study Seeks Young Participants
The Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) study is recruiting volunteers ages 5-15 with type 1 diabetes and an HbA1c less than 9.5. The study lasts about 30 minutes. Call 206-987-5635 or e-mail heidi.bradford@seattlechildrens.org for details.
Eastern, Central WA Newborns Eligible for New Type 1 Screening
Starting in January, families with infants born in central and eastern Washington may opt to have their child screened for a future risk of type 1 diabetes. The Diabetes Evaluation in Washington Study will look at babies' leftover blood spots from birth to determine those at the highest risk for type I diabetes.
Diabetes Epidemic Poses Challenges for Nursing Homes
Thanks to medical advances, more people with diabetes are living longer. A new study in Diabetes Care suggests that proper care in some long-term facilities is falling short. Dr. Paul Strumph, JDRF vice president and chief medical officer, discusses the challenges of providing optimal care for older people with diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes Linked to Celiac Disease
Scientists discovered that diabetes and celiac disease have a genetic link: they share seven chromosome regions. The research—recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine—suggests that the diseases may be caused by common underlying mechanisms such as autoimmunity-related tissue damage and dietary intolerance.
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!