JDRF NW News Archives
Share Stories of Dad, Win a Chance to Meet a Basketball Legend!
If you’ve got a great story about a dad and type 1 diabetes, share it with us and win a chance to meet Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics! This week, JDRF is hosting a Facebook contest to honor devoted dads like Ray, whose young son has type 1 diabetes. Tell the world how great your dad is, collect votes, and you could win a t-shirt inspired by Ray Allen, or a trip to meet him in person at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe!
Whether or not you win, you can help Ray and JDRF raise money for diabetes
research by purchasing a t-shirt. 100% of the proceeds go to JDRF. Use code
“JDRFFD” at checkout to get free priority shipping.
Thousands Beat the Bridge for a Cure
They ran, they walked, they even crawled to raise $1.38 million for type 1 research at Nordstrom’s Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes in May. Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. motivated the crowd and walked with his family. Celebrate this great success with us on July 14 at the Beat the Bridge Awards Party at the PACCAR Pavilion in Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park (find directions and parking information). Please RSVP by July 6 to our office (206) 838-5153 or beatthebridge@jdrf.org
Special Diabetes Program Renewal Legislation in Progress
In March, diabetes champions in the Senate introduced legislation (S. 3058) to renew the Special Diabetes Program, JDRF's top legislative priority for 2010. Sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), the legislation would provide $200 million annually through 2016 for the Special Diabetes Program, which funds critical type 1 diabetes research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is a co-sponsor of the Senate bill. The bill is a companion to one already introduced in the House (H.R. 3668), which, to date, has more than 200 co-sponsors.
Diabetic Dog Game Teaches Challenges of Diabetes Care
Teach siblings, family, and friends about diabetes, the role of insulin, and how to control blood sugar in this educational game from the Nobel Prize organization. Your goal is to care for a dog with type 1 diabetes and keep him at the right blood sugar level. The more successful you are, the more ‘money’ you’ll earn to buy dog food and a dog house!
Can 8-day Drug Infusion Prolong Diabetes Onset?
Tolerx, a U.S. company supported by JDRF, is working on a new drug to treat autoimmune diseases by training the immune system to “tolerate’’ the healthy tissues that it attacks. If successful, the new therapy could eventually offer an eight-day course of daily intravenous infusions to help preserve patients’ natural ability to produce insulin for years, reducing the amount of insulin they’d need to inject on a daily basis.
Dolphins' Can Switch Diabetes On and Off
A scientist's discovery, that based on the availability of food, dolphins have a genetic ability to turn diabetes on and off—inducing type 2 diabetes when food is scarce, then immediately turning it off when food becomes abundant—could lead to research into whether humans might have a similar gene.
POKED Offers Type 1 Support & Fun Family Events
POKED (Parents of Kids Experiencing Insulin-Dependent Diabetes) is a volunteer resource group for Western WA families affected by diabetes. Sign up for their monthly e-newsletter (e-mail poked.wa@gmail.com) to learn about fun family activities, upcoming events, research, and support group information. It also includes product reviews, a Q & A forum, diabetes care tips and advice from members, and camp listings for children with diabetes.
Early Artificial Pancreas Trials Show Benefits for Kids While Sleeping
In a landmark study in children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF-funded researchers demonstrated that using a first-generation artificial pancreas system (with a computer algorithm) overnight can lower the risk of low blood sugar emergencies and improve diabetes control.
New Web Tool Optimizes Care at School
MyCareConnect.com is a free online tool that connects parents to all caregivers—school nurses, doctors, and other members of the medical team—and allows real-time data and diabetes care notes to be logged in throughout the school day to best manage a child’s diabetes.
Integrated Medtronic System Has New Features and FDA Approval
Medtronic’s new MiniMed Paradigm REAL-Time Revel System, which earned FDA approval in March and is available for purchase, is the next generation of integrated diabetes management system (using an insulin pump, CGM, and diabetes management software). The CGM features predictive alerts to warn against dangerous high or low glucose levels.
Free Diabetes Education for WA. Schools, Daycares, and More
Non-profit DECK (Diabetes Education in the Community for Kids) president Joanne Hanson, RN, provides free diabetes education to school nurses, teachers, bus drivers, health classes, daycare facilities, Girl or Boy Scout troops, Rotary groups, or other groups throughout the state who seek information about living with type 1 diabetes. Contact Joanne Hanson at 206-383-8843 or DECK@cablespeed.com to learn more or schedule a visit.
JDRF Launches Canadian Clinical Trial Center
The University of Waterloo in Ontario, in alliance with McMaster University, will be the hub of a world-class network for diabetes research to develop new treatments and possibly a cure for the chronic disease.
JDRF Creates New Tools for Recently-Diagnosed Adults
Written by people with type 1 diabetes, the free JDRF Adult Type 1 Toolkit is an essential "how-to" guide about living with the disease. It offers information on topics such as dealing with the initial diagnosis, day-to-day management, telling friends and family, and juggling the demands of diabetes at work. It also offers resources to connect with other type 1 adults and JDRF volunteers, who can give advice on specific situations or issues. Download the toolkit now, or call our office at 206-838-5153 to request one via mail.
Report Says Diabetes Vaccine Just Down the Road
A new report states that at least seven diabetes vaccine candidates are in development. Many are in Phase I trials and a Diamyd vaccine is currently in a global Phase III study, with early results expected in the spring of 2011.
Head of JDRF Artificial Pancreas Project Answers Questions about New Developments
The new partnership between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 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 Partners with Industry to Speed T1 Treatments
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 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.
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
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 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.
Skin Cells Transformed to Produce Insulin
Scientists at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute have reported the first success in generating new populations of insulin-producing cells using skin cells from patients with type 1 diabetes. The achievement uses the newer embryo-free technique for generating stem cells, and is the first step toward building a treatment that could one day replace a patient's faulty insulin-making cells with healthy, functioning ones.
Misinformed Immune System May Cause Type 1 Diabetes
Stanford researchers recently discovered that a mutated version of a gene may contribute to type 1 diabetes by sabotaging the functioning of the gene's normal version.
New Pump Combines CGM and Auto Shut-Off Feature
The Paradigm Veo System, made by Medtronic, includes an insulin pump with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that measures glucose levels in a new way. If levels drops below a defined threshold, it automatically suspends insulin delivery. The pump isn’t available yet in the U.S., but Medtronic is working closely with the FDA on approval.
Teen Gets a Furry, Four-Legged Glucose Monitor
Max—a very special 55-pound black Lab—is helping Gig Harbor teen Liam Kelly stay in control of his diabetes. Sniffing out blood sugar levels that are too high or too low on Kelly’s breath, the dog alerts the boy to possible glucose problems and can even fetch his monitor. Max, who was trained by Ron Pace of Tacoma’s Canyon Crest K-9 Training Center, of is one of very few diabetic service dogs in the country.
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.
Halloween Tips for Kids & Parents
Halloween can be a challenging holiday for children with type 1 diabetes. Read these ideas for a happy and healthy Halloween.
Researchers Show Non-Insulin-Producing Alpha Cells in the Pancreas Can Be Converted To Insulin-Producing Beta Cells
Findings from a European study, co-funded by JDRF, give hope and insight into possible regenerative therapies for type 1 diabetes.
Some Hypertension Drugs Prevent Eye Disease Progression
Two drugs used to treat high blood pressure have been shown to significantly slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a serious and common complication that may lead to vision loss. The findings suggest that the drugs could be a promising new therapy for retinopathy, but further studies are needed.
New Online Connection to Clinical Trial Information
JDRF's new Clinical Trials Connection helps people easily find information about type 1 clinical trials for drugs, treatments, and therapies. People can provide criteria—like the type of trial they’re interested in, how long they’ve had diabetes, and how far they'd be willing to travel—and the site will find studies that are the best match.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Martha Stewart Show Features JDRF Researcher
Dr. Aaron Kowalski spoke with the TV host about the evolution of diabetes treatment and the use of continuous glucose monitors and artificial pancreas technologies.
JDRF's CGM Research Named a Top Medical Breakthrough of 2008
The groundbreaking human clinical trial funded by JDRF demonstrating that continuous glucose monitors can improve diabetes control was cited by the ABC News as one of the top 10 scientific advances of 2008.
New JDRF Partnership Focuses on “Smart” Insulin Development
JDRF has teamed with Massachusetts-based SmartCells, Inc. to speed the development and testing of SmartInsulin for people with type 1 diabetes. The once-daily injectable SmartInsulin is designed to maintain continuous, tight control of blood glucose levels while reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.
“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.
Ask Google for a Diabetes Doodle on World Diabetes Day (Nov. 14)
Help us spread awareness about the United-Nations designated “World Diabetes Day” on November 14! Please sign an online petition to ask Google for a special World Diabetes Day doodle. Doodles are the different logos on the Google homepage to commemorate special holidays and events. Add your signature today!
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.
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.
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.
Success in Growing Human Beta Cells In Vitro
JDRF researchers from France and Israel have discovered that the descendants of adult human beta cells can survive and expand in vitro. If the cells can retain enough original genetic structure, scientists may be able to turn them back into functional, insulin-producing beta cells—a significant therapeutic advance.
Local Researchers Study Vitamin D Effects
Could high doses of Vitamin D offer possible protection against type 1 diabetes? Scientists at Seattle's Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute (PDRI) are trying to find out.
South Sound Family Raises Type 1 Awareness in Local Magazine
In an article about facts, myths, and life with type 1 diabetes, Seattle’s Child magazine spotlights Renea Zosel, a JDRF Northwest board member for the South Puget Sound region. Zosel’s daughter Elizabeth and three of Elizabeth’s cousins are afflicted with the disease.
WWU Rower Triumphs in Crew & Diabetes
Meet Alexa Skilling, a 21-year-old college student and a JDRF Northwest local hero!
NBA star and Gonzaga alum Adam Morrison shares his story at JDRF Children's Congress
Seattle at Forefront of Type 1 Research
Seattle, which has one of the highest rates of type 1 diabetes, is a major center for diabetes research with many outstanding research facilities. Learn more in this recent Seattle PI article.
A New Type of Life with Type 1 Diabetes
JDRF Board Member and mother Christy Hughes was interviewed about her experience after her son Kyle was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 18 months. Read about the Woodinville family's life-changing journey over the past three years in the May 5 Seattle Times.
Parents – Please Lend Your Support and Experience!
We need Parent-to-Parent Network volunteers to help families cope with the challenges and stress of having a child newly diagnosed with diabetes. Volunteer parents provide a sympathetic ear and may share their experience and inspiration in dealing with this life-changing disease. For more details, contact Shanai Cole—JDRF Northwest Bag of Hope Chairperson—at shanaicole@comcast.net or 425-347-0844. Thank you for joining our support team—and making the onset of diabetes easier and less frightening for families new to type 1 diabetes.