JDRF Diabetes Organization

Diabetes is a growing cause of concern for individuals worldwide, with 30 million diagnosed cases in the United States alone. Type 1 diabetes impacts the lives of 1.25 million individuals in the United States and a staggering 40,000 new cases each year. With hopes of a cure on the horizon, those impacted still face the challenge of balancing insulin injections with daily activities and the invariable, perpetual finger pricks.

Most commonly diagnosed in youth, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas no longer produces insulin because the body’s own immune system destroys the beta cells that are responsible for producing insulin. In turn, this produces a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. Like type 2 diabetes, which is commonly thought to be induced by poor diet and lack of exercise, those diagnosed find themselves meticulously planning and following regular routines that are inconvenient. 

Treatment opportunities exist for juvenile diabetes; however, researchers continue to work towards a cure. Most are familiar with insulin and the constant monitoring of dietary habits, but regular exercise and consuming a healthy diet also play a key role in preventing complications in type 1 diabetes. Conversely, type 2 diabetes relies heavily on regimented exercise and a diet full of low-fat, fibrous foods. In addition to the insulin that is commonly prescribed as a method of treating both types of diabetes, there are a handful of other medications that are available to patients that seek to provide the same benefits. Of course, the severity of cases will prompt certain treatment methods over others, but there is no denying the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle.

Harvard University and MIT research teams have made breakthrough discoveries in recent years that were hailed as revolutionary in the race to finding a cure for juvenile diabetes. In 2014, the research team at Harvard took one large step in the name of cures by successfully creating insulin-producing cells, while as of 2016, a team at MIT restored long-term insulin production by planting said cells into mice. Now moving into 2017, we have never been closer to providing solace for the millions worldwide whose lives are affected by juvenile diabetes.

There are many foundations working towards raising money to discover a cure for type 1 diabetes, one of the most prominent of which is here in our very own hometown. With funding available to research facilities both domestically and abroad, the San Diego chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation works with the top names in the medical field, providing hope for all of those living with diabetes. The JDRF offers support for the best researchers in the industry that work continuously to prevent, treat and cure type 1 diabetes with the help of donors all over the world.

Join the JDRF in helping fund research to cure type 1 diabetes by attending the 2017 Promise Ball on April 29th at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Tickets and other opportunities for donations are available through JDRF Foundation.

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