Close
Our Projects
Explore our active and successfully funded projects.
Role of the integrated stress response in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis
In individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), the insulin-producing beta cells are spontaneously destroyed by their own immune system.
Wearable Skin Fluorescence Imaging Patch for the Detection of Blood Glucose Level on an Engineered Skin Platform
A bio-integrated sensor for continuous noninvasive monitoring of blood glucose levels will eliminate the need for diabetes patients to draw blood multiple times a day.
A Potential Second Cure for T1D by Re-Educating the Patient’s Immune System
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the most common form of diabetes in infants and adolescents, affecting over one million Americans.
Validating the Hypothesis to Cure T1D by Eliminating the Rejection of Cells From Another Person by Farming Beta Cells From a Patient’s Own Stem Cells
The control of blood glucose levels is important for short- and long-term human health.
Taming a Particularly Lethal Category of Cells May Reduce/Eliminate the Onset of T1D
Due to the generous support of DRC, I am happy to report the following advances in efforts in determining the molecular mechanisms driving Nfkbid-dependent diabetes protection in NOD mice overexpressing the Nfkbid-60A transgene (NOD-60A mice).
Can the Inhibition of One Specific Body Gene Prevent Type 1 Diabetes?
CD226 is an activating costimulatory receptor on T cells that has been implicated in promoting the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) via several mechanisms including destabilization of regulatory T cells (Treg).
Is Cholesterol Exacerbating T1D by Reducing the Functionality and Regeneration Ability of Residual Beta Cells?
In the first 6 months of funding, we have focused our efforts largely on the in vitro experiments.
A Call to Question… Is T1D Caused by Dysfunctionality of Two Pancreatic Cells (β and α)?
To examine how LDs specifically
affect human islet α cells, I applied an
immunomagnetic positive selection
strategy to enrich α cells from
dissociated non-diabetic adult human
islets.
Novel therapy initiative with potential path to preventing T1D by targeting TWO components of T1D development (autoimmune response and beta-cell survival)
It is well known that the mTORC1/4E-BP2 axis has beneficial effects on beta cells and
control T reg cell number and function.
Read Story
Allison and Mac
Allison and Mac
Imagine facing each day with the weight of a life-threatening and unrelenting medical condition. Allison knows the reality of this all too well. Both she and her sister, Marianne have lived with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) since childhood and, just recently, her 4-year-old son, Mac, was also diagnosed with T1D – a day she describes as “the worst day of my life.” Allison felt a deep sense of sadness, knowing the daily burdens of T1D that Mac would now face.
Allison and Mac
Read Story
Lauren and Kyra
Lauren and Kyra
Meet Lauren and her older sister, Kyra. Lauren has been part of DRC for four years and has navigated Type 1 Diabetes since the age of six.
Lauren and Kyra
Pioneering Breakthroughs in Diabetes Research
Diabetes Research Connection (DRC), are making a significant impact in the fight against diabetes. Each year, countless individuals and their families face the challenging diagnosis of diabetes. Our efforts are dedicated to supporting these communities through groundbreaking research and innovative solutions, aiming to transform the way diabetes is understood.
WHY YOUR DONATION MATTERS
100% of your donation is directed to a research project
Currently, 1.6 million Americans live with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), including 200,000 children. Approximately 64,000 new patients are diagnosed yearly. With your backing, we can drive innovation and advancements to find a cure.
HOW IT WORKS
Scientists from across the country submit their projects through our website.
The time from application to funding can be as short as six months, compared to over a year for other funding agencies. Additionally, 100% of our research funds go directly to the scientists to ensure transparency.
DRC has distributed approximately $3M to research
Donor-Driven, Peer-Reviewed, Innovative Diabetes Research
Advancing understanding through DRC
Diabetes Research Connection is at the forefront of funding groundbreaking diabetes research aimed at discovering innovative treatments, therapies, and eventually a cure.
A few words from our supporters
I support Diabetes Research Connection’s innovative and transparent method!
“As a Type 1 Diabetic for nearly 30 years, I support Diabetes Research Connection’s innovative and transparent method of directly funding researchers whose novel approaches may lead to a reduction of complications and the holy grail: a cure”.
Your support goes to the brightest and best young scientists!
“At DRC we ensure that all research projects we advance for potential funding have received rigorous review by independent experts. Your support goes to the brightest and best young scientists who are committed to finding a cure for diabetes”.
I Believe The Mission Of The Diabetes Research Connection Is Vital!
“Entering my fourth decade of Type 1 Diabetes research, it is quite remarkable to look back and see how research seeking to identify answers to the questions of how this disease develops and how the disorder could be cured have changed. No one could have envisioned the difficulty of obtaining research funding, especially for young people. For these reasons, I believe the mission of the Diabetes Research Connection is vital! It offers hope for the future of both those with T1D and young investigators committed to making a major change possible. I fully support DRC and am committed to seeing it prosper.”
We Need To Invest In Young Scientists
“There is a need for increased collaborative efforts to eradicate diabetes. We need to invest in young scientists with new and fresh ideas who are willing to dedicate their careers to studying diabetes. Federal funding for young investigators in basic research is getting harder to acquire, so private funding is critical to invest in novel ideas to help young scientists in their quest for the cure.”
Advancing Efforts of Early-Career Scientists
“The Diabetes Research Connection will advance the efforts of early-career scientists whose innovative proposals for diabetes investigations might be overlooked by government funding agencies in favor of more conventional research.”
We select the research we believe in!
“We support the Diabetes Research Connection because it affords us the rare opportunity to select the research that we believe in and to better understand it by interacting with the very scientists who will DO the research.”
A Personal Reason to Support Diabetes Research
“Several of my family members have or had diabetes. I have lived with T1D for over 50 years. I am committed to ensuring that the Diabetes Research Connection becomes one of the most significant forces funding innovative diabetes research that will rid the planet of this disease and its complications.”
Committed To The Cure
“The Diabetes Research Connection is a powerful breeding ground for new ideas in T1D research in the context of a supportive and enthusiastic community of donors.”
Funding Young Scientists To Pursue New, But Fully Vetted Ideas In Type 1 Diabetes Research
“I love the concept behind this website and organization: funding young scientists to pursue new, but fully vetted ideas in type 1 diabetes research. We need to continue to feed the developmental pipeline for research scientists and ideas in Type 1. I love the idea of choosing where (to whom) my money goes and hearing directly from them.”
The Diabetes Research Connection Will Expedite The Discovery Process
“This is a fantastic new method for funding scientific endeavors and represents a paradigm shift for supporting innovative basic diabetes research. The Diabetes Research Connection will expedite the discovery process and ensure funding for the next generation of promising young researchers, leading to discoveries and ways in which to prevent and cure Type 1 Diabetes.”
A Groundbreaking Effort
“I am passionate about User Experience and developing technologies that create meaningful communities that are focused on making a difference. So I am thrilled at this groundbreaking effort to revolutionize how we fund diabetes research. Most important to me is the effort to bridge the gap between scientists and supporters to cultivate a community of connection. The Diabetes Research Connection aspires to create a community of compassion and care that will lead us to the cure. It will revolutionize the link between the champions that are supporting our fight for the cure and the researchers that are waging our war for progress.”
DRC is a tremendous new way to fund brilliant young research investigators
The Diabetes Research Connection is a tremendous new way to fund brilliant young research investigators in the early stages of their careers — when they need our support the most. These fresh, innovative minds will spearhead scientific discoveries and will ensure that we have a robust diabetes drug/device pipeline for years to come. I applaud the founders of DRC for creating this important new resource that empowers donors to fund researchers directly, and for offering transparency to the entire funding process.
DRC Fills A Void In Our Type 1 Diabetes Funding Scheme
“DRC fills a void in our Type 1 Diabetes funding scheme – it allows for postdoctoral and early investigators to get their ideas out to the interested public and to provide much-needed funds for this next generation researcher to conduct their important studies.”
Diabetes Research Connection Is A Novel Way To Obtain Funding
In this time of funding difficulty, the Diabetes Research Connection is a novel way to obtain funding and a great way for scientists to communicate their exciting ideas with the public. Scientists need to branch out and explore new funding mechanisms.
One Of The Fastest Reviews!
“It was a pleasure working with the Diabetes Research Connection. This was one of the fastest reviews! I thank the Diabetes Research Connection for their support, reviews, and feedback. The comments on the pre-proposal were very helpful in refining and clarifying my thoughts and experimental plan, and the input provided by the Layperson Committee on my video helped me produce something with a much stronger chance of attracting potential donors. I am delighted to have received this opportunity.”
Incredibly Grateful For The Funding We Received
“Thanks to the Diabetes Research Connection, I was able to undertake my investigation, ‘Can we engineer a patient’s immune cells to stop the autoimmune attack that causes Type 1 Diabetes?’ The Brusko lab is incredibly grateful for the $50,000 we received to drive this exciting research project forward.”
Can the Inhibition of One Specific Body Gene Prevent Type 1 Diabetes? (Melanie Shapiro)
Taming a Particularly Lethal Category of Cells May Reduce/Eliminate the Onset of T1D (Dr. J. Dwyer)
A Potential Second Cure for T1D by Re-Educating the Patient’s Immune System (Dr. Leonardo Ferreira)
Stakeholder-Engaged Precision Health for Longevity and Healthy Aging with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Dr. Han Zhu’s Project
Dr. Sandra Mara Ferreira’s Project
News
-
Understanding the Science: A Beginner’s Guide to T1D Research Terminology
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a donor passionate about finding a cure, or just curious about the science behind type 1 diabetes (T1D), the terminology can be…
Thanks to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers, DRC’s Dance for Diabetes raised
$425,000+ 
for Type 1 Diabetes research
Type 1 Diabetes affects more than blood sugar—it impacts mental health too. This World Mental Health Day, let’s champion emotional well-being alongside physical care.💚
Halloween is one of the most exciting times for kids, filled with fun costumes, festive activities, and candy. However, for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families, Halloween can come with extra considerations. The combination of candy and excitement can cause unpredictable blood sugar levels, but kids with T1D shouldn’t miss out on the fun. Children with T1D can still enjoy Halloween safely with careful planning. Our new blog will share practical tips for navigating Halloween with T1D, from planning to managing post-Halloween blood sugar: https://ow.ly/w2Eo50TAg1i
Read our 2023 Annual Report here: https://ow.ly/hlps50TBwuS
Insulin For Life is collecting supplies to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene. For information on accepted donations and how to contribute, please visit their website here: https://iflusa.org/donate-supplies/
As flu season begins, it brings additional concerns for individuals managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Viruses, particularly the flu, can cause unpredictable blood sugar fluctuations and increase the risk of severe complications, making it a critical time for those with T1D to take extra precautions. Learn about the importance of getting the flu vaccine for T1Ds in our new blog: https://ow.ly/f4Fw50TAfMF
DRC is proud of our significant impact in the world of type 1 diabetes research. 🧑🔬
Read our full 2023 Annual Report here: https://diabetesresearchconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2023_Annual_Report-Final.pdf
Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes involves multiple factors, including blood tests. Here is a guide on 4 different types of tests they may be used to confirm a type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
Learn more about type 1 diabetes: https://diabetesresearchconnection.org
September marks National Preparedness Month, a time when everyone is encouraged to take steps to prepare for emergencies. For people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), this month is an important reminder to stay proactive about managing their health, particularly during unexpected events like natural disasters, power outages, or travel disruptions. Having a plan can significantly reduce the risks and challenges associated with T1D. Our new blog, “Emergency T1D Planning,” will walk through essential strategies to help you stay prepared, including creating a diabetes emergency kit, safeguarding your insulin during power outages, and developing a robust plan for various emergencies: https://ow.ly/gK4850Tqg5i
September marks the beginning of a new academic year, with students nationwide starting their college journeys. For those managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), this time of year brings unique challenges alongside the excitement. With the right support, you can thrive in your college environment. Our new blog, “Top Tips for College and T1D Management,” provides practical tips to help you navigate college life while keeping your T1D under control, ensuring you stay healthy and focused on your academic goals. 📚Read here: https://ow.ly/kT0550TqfJA
Our mission: to connect donors with early-career scientists enabling them to perform peer-reviewed, novel research designed to prevent and cure Type 1 Diabetes, minimize its complications and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.🔬
We had a blast with all of our supporters last night at the 2024 Dance for Diabetes! Thank you for dancing the night away with us while helping fight to end type 1 diabetes. See you next year!
Today is the day! Get your dancing shoes on for our 2024 Dance for Diabetes fundraiser. 🕺
WHEN: TONIGHT at 5:00PM.
WHERE: Green Acre, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/CluR50SSpr5
Friendly reminder! Our Dance for Diabetes fundraiser is just one week away! Join us for a night of dancing, live music, great food, fun auction items, and supporting type 1 diabetes research. See you there! Register at the link in our bio.
#DanceForDiabetes #SupportResearch #FindACure
A huge thank you to all our incredible sponsors for making the 2024 Dance for Diabetes possible! Your generosity drives our mission to raise awareness and support for the Type 1 Diabetes community. We couldn`t do it without you. 💙
We are so excited to have Republic of Music at our 2024 Dance for Diabetes! Voted the BEST Dance Band in San Diego, it is sure to be a fun night. 🎶
Register for the event at the link in our bio.
Thank you to Tandem Diabetes Care for sponsoring our 2024 Dance for Diabetes! Your support empowers us to keep moving, raising awareness, and making a difference in the lives of those with Type 1 Diabetes. Together, we`re dancing towards a brighter future! @tandemdiabetes
Are you ready to groove?💃 Join us in two weeks for our 2024 Dance for Diabetes on Saturday, September 7th! Register at the link in our bio.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have revealed that their six-year-old son, Miles, has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. After fans noticed his diabetes monitor in a recent photo, Teigen shared their family`s journey and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. “Here we go! A different, new world for us,” she wrote. Together, they’re facing this new challenge with strength and love. Let’s continue to support diabetes research and representation, raising awareness for all those affected. 💪❤️
Take a step inside our 2023 Dance for Diabetes! We had such a fun time at our tropical oasis last year. 🏖️🌺
Don`t miss out on our event this year on September 7th! Join us for our annual Dance for Diabetes fundraiser as we move and groove to support research for a cure for type 1 diabetes. Register at the link in our bio today and help us make a difference!
As summer comes to an end, the new school year is almost upon us. For students with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), this time can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. While starting school with T1D involves managing health and academics, a significant part of the challenge comes from dealing with stigma and fostering self-advocacy. This blog focuses on understanding where potential stigma originates and how students with T1D can build the confidence to communicate their needs effectively. Fostering mutual learning and understanding can help students with T1D thrive academically and personally.
We grant up to $75,000 to support each research project
#InnovativeDiabetesResearch
