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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.
Be the first to know about T1D news, join the DRC family!
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive project updates, latest diabetes research news, and more.
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
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Eating Disorders in the T1D Community: Expert Q&A
In this enlightening Q&A, Dr. Mark Heyman, a renowned psychologist specializing in type 1 diabetes (T1D), dives into the often overlooked intersection of T1D and eating…
Thanks to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers, DRC’s Dance for Diabetes raised
$425,000+ 
for Type 1 Diabetes research
Spring has sprung! 🌷 Here are a few tips to thrive this spring.
At DRC, we are all about lending a hand. If you would like to join our community and volunteer, you can do so by clicking the link in our bio.
At DRC, we are all about lending a hand. If you would like to join our community and volunteer, you can do so by clicking the link in our bio.
Diabetes + bulimia = diabulimia. When the struggle with diabetes meets the battle against body image, there are serious consequences. Swipe through to learn more and to find support. #MentalHealthMonth
Diabetes + bulimia = diabulimia. When the struggle with diabetes meets the battle against body image, there are serious consequences. Swipe through to learn more and to find support. #MentalHealthMonth
Congratulations to DRC supporter, Debbie Resler! She is the winner of our San Francisco Donate to Win Getaway!
Thank you to all who donated, receiving a drawing entry for every $100 donation they made! Your generosity raised an additional $1,000 for T1D research!
Thanks also to DRC supporters, Eric & Debra Geller, for providing this great drawing prize to help us raise funds.
It takes a community to connect for a cure!
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #SanFranciscoGetaway #Winner
Congratulations to DRC supporter, Debbie Resler! She is the winner of our San Francisco Donate to Win Getaway!
Thank you to all who donated, receiving a drawing entry for every $100 donation they made! Your generosity raised an additional $1,000 for T1D research!
Thanks also to DRC supporters, Eric & Debra Geller, for providing this great drawing prize to help us raise funds.
It takes a community to connect for a cure!
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #SanFranciscoGetaway #Winner
⭐ We are excited to announce that Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) has once again been awarded the prestigious Platinum Transparency “CANDID” rating by GuideStar, marking our fifth consecutive year of achieving this honor. ⭐
This recognition underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that our valued donors have complete confidence in the impact of their contributions. By providing comprehensive insights into our goals, strategies, capabilities, progress, and achievements, we aim to illuminate the significant impact DRC is making in advancing T1D science through your donations and continued support.
Thank you for your continued belief in our mission and for your vital role in driving positive change in the fight against type 1 diabetes.
To continue supporting our efforts, please consider making a donation today through the link in our bio.
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #GuideStarRating #Type1Diabetes #T1D
⭐ We are excited to announce that Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) has once again been awarded the prestigious Platinum Transparency “CANDID” rating by GuideStar, marking our fifth consecutive year of achieving this honor. ⭐
This recognition underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that our valued donors have complete confidence in the impact of their contributions. By providing comprehensive insights into our goals, strategies, capabilities, progress, and achievements, we aim to illuminate the significant impact DRC is making in advancing T1D science through your donations and continued support.
Thank you for your continued belief in our mission and for your vital role in driving positive change in the fight against type 1 diabetes.
To continue supporting our efforts, please consider making a donation today through the link in our bio.
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #GuideStarRating #Type1Diabetes #T1D
🧘♂️ What are your favorite self-care tips? Share in the comments below and let`s build a community of support and inspiration for mental health in T1D! 💙
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #Health #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealth #SelfCare #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity
🧘♂️ What are your favorite self-care tips? Share in the comments below and let`s build a community of support and inspiration for mental health in T1D! 💙
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #Health #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealth #SelfCare #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity
From stabilizing blood sugars to enhancing overall well-being, quality rest is key to managing type 1 diabetes.
From stabilizing blood sugars to enhancing overall well-being, quality rest is key to managing type 1 diabetes.
This month, we will be discussing the relationship between type 1 diabetes and mental health. Type 1 diabetes can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Constantly having to be vigilant about your blood sugar levels, insulin dosage, and eating habits can lead to diabetic burnout. However, it`s important to remember there are resources and support. You are never alone in your journey with type 1 diabetes.
This month, we will be discussing the relationship between type 1 diabetes and mental health. Type 1 diabetes can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Constantly having to be vigilant about your blood sugar levels, insulin dosage, and eating habits can lead to diabetic burnout. However, it`s important to remember there are resources and support. You are never alone in your journey with type 1 diabetes.
We are empowering progress through your support. Every donation counts in our fight against type 1 diabetes. Click the link in our bio.
We are empowering progress through your support. Every donation counts in our fight against type 1 diabetes. Click the link in our bio.
Want to be a part of something amazing? Volunteer for our upcoming annual event, Dance for Diabetes, happening this September as we celebrate #NationalVolunteerWeek! 💃🕺 Stay tuned for more details!
Dance for Diabetes is a day filled with music, dancing, and a lot of fun, but most importantly, it`s about hope for a future without type 1 diabetes. Join us in dancing towards a cure! 💙
Click the link in our bio to learn more and get involved.
#Volunteer #CommunityHeroes #DanceForDiabetes #TogetherWeThrive #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC
Want to be a part of something amazing? Volunteer for our upcoming annual event, Dance for Diabetes, happening this September as we celebrate #NationalVolunteerWeek! 💃🕺 Stay tuned for more details!
Dance for Diabetes is a day filled with music, dancing, and a lot of fun, but most importantly, it`s about hope for a future without type 1 diabetes. Join us in dancing towards a cure! 💙
Click the link in our bio to learn more and get involved.
#Volunteer #CommunityHeroes #DanceForDiabetes #TogetherWeThrive #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC
🌟 We’re sending a heartfelt THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers this #NationalVolunteerWeek! Your dedication and passion for supporting type 1 diabetes research are truly inspiring. Together, you’ve made a huge impact on our mission to find a cure. If you’re not already part of our amazing team, we invite you to join us! Together, we can achieve even more and make a difference in the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes.
🌟 Check out the link in our bio to sign up to volunteer today and let’s continue to thrive together! 💙
#TogetherWeThrive #Volunteer #VolunteerWeek #Gratitude #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC
🌟 We’re sending a heartfelt THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers this #NationalVolunteerWeek! Your dedication and passion for supporting type 1 diabetes research are truly inspiring. Together, you’ve made a huge impact on our mission to find a cure. If you’re not already part of our amazing team, we invite you to join us! Together, we can achieve even more and make a difference in the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes.
🌟 Check out the link in our bio to sign up to volunteer today and let’s continue to thrive together! 💙
#TogetherWeThrive #Volunteer #VolunteerWeek #Gratitude #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC
Happy Earth Day! Together, let’s advocate for a healthier world for both people and the environment. 🌎💙 #earthday
Happy Earth Day! Together, let’s advocate for a healthier world for both people and the environment. 🌎💙 #earthday
🌟 Debbie, a long-time supporter of Diabetes Research Connection and a beacon of strength for her son, Jacob, as well as all parents navigating type 1 diabetes, offers invaluable advice to those with a newly diagnosed child:
“Find your T1D support community, and do not try and figure everything out on your own. It’s amazingly helpful to talk with people who truly understand the variety of challenges faced by parents of children with T1D – emotional, logistical, medical, etc. That camaraderie and the shared insights were really beneficial for our family.”
Let`s continue this conversation! Share your tips for supporting family members with T1D in the comments below.
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #BondedBeyondBlood #T1D #T1DCommunity #T1DSupportTips #Support
🌟 Debbie, a long-time supporter of Diabetes Research Connection and a beacon of strength for her son, Jacob, as well as all parents navigating type 1 diabetes, offers invaluable advice to those with a newly diagnosed child:
“Find your T1D support community, and do not try and figure everything out on your own. It’s amazingly helpful to talk with people who truly understand the variety of challenges faced by parents of children with T1D – emotional, logistical, medical, etc. That camaraderie and the shared insights were really beneficial for our family.”
Let`s continue this conversation! Share your tips for supporting family members with T1D in the comments below.
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #BondedBeyondBlood #T1D #T1DCommunity #T1DSupportTips #Support
Exciting news! We`re extending the deadline for DRC`s San Francisco Donate to Win Getaway! For every $100 you donate by April 30th, you will receive one entry into the drawing. A minimum of ten $100 donations ($1,000) must be received by DRC to enable this drawing to occur.
🌟 Check out the link in our bio for more details 🌟
Don`t let this opportunity slip away to turn your dreamy getaway into a reality! 🎉
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #SanFrancisco #SanFranciscoGetaway #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DonateToWin #GiveCampaign
Exciting news! We`re extending the deadline for DRC`s San Francisco Donate to Win Getaway! For every $100 you donate by April 30th, you will receive one entry into the drawing. A minimum of ten $100 donations ($1,000) must be received by DRC to enable this drawing to occur.
🌟 Check out the link in our bio for more details 🌟
Don`t let this opportunity slip away to turn your dreamy getaway into a reality! 🎉
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #SanFrancisco #SanFranciscoGetaway #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DonateToWin #GiveCampaign
Living with type 1 diabetes requires constant effort, but together, we`re striving towards a future free from its burdens. Join us in our mission to find a cure. Click the link in our bio to donate.
Living with type 1 diabetes requires constant effort, but together, we`re striving towards a future free from its burdens. Join us in our mission to find a cure. Click the link in our bio to donate.
Morning rituals include more than just coffee for those with type 1 diabetes; it`s also about navigating the Dawn Phenomenon. As the sun rises, so do blood sugar levels, reminding us of the constant vigilance needed in managing this condition.
Morning rituals include more than just coffee for those with type 1 diabetes; it`s also about navigating the Dawn Phenomenon. As the sun rises, so do blood sugar levels, reminding us of the constant vigilance needed in managing this condition.
DRC celebrates extension of the Special Diabetes Program, approved by Congress last month. The extension, passed with bi-partisan approval, will fund the program through the end of 2024 at $160 million per-program per-year, a $10 million increase for each component. The program has not received an increase in funding since 2004. The program’s extension and much needed increase in funding will ensure that critical type 1 diabetes research will continue moving forward. More info: https://tinyurl.com/SDP2024news
For more than 25 years, the Special Diabetes Program – which includes the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research – has delivered meaningful research breakthroughs for those with Type 1 diabetes. The bi-partisan letter outlining some of the SDP’s major accomplishments can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/SDP2023letter .
DRC celebrates extension of the Special Diabetes Program, approved by Congress last month. The extension, passed with bi-partisan approval, will fund the program through the end of 2024 at $160 million per-program per-year, a $10 million increase for each component. The program has not received an increase in funding since 2004. The program’s extension and much needed increase in funding will ensure that critical type 1 diabetes research will continue moving forward. More info: https://tinyurl.com/SDP2024news
For more than 25 years, the Special Diabetes Program – which includes the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research – has delivered meaningful research breakthroughs for those with Type 1 diabetes. The bi-partisan letter outlining some of the SDP’s major accomplishments can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/SDP2023letter .
Nick Jonas, one third of the Jonas Brothers, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 13. Since then, his brothers and bandmates, Kevin and Joe, have been his rock.
“They’re incredibly supportive, and really help normalize it,” Nick shares.
His siblings ensure he has juice and snacks by his bedside, ready to act during sugar highs or lows.
“They understand if I’m irritable, it’s probably because my glucose is high. They give me grace or ensure I have what I need,” he says.
Beyond physical health, Nick stresses the importance of addressing mental health in the T1D community.
“It’s super important for people to have that conversation around the mental health aspect,” he emphasizes, highlighting the significance of acknowledging strong support systems in effectively managing T1D.
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #BondedBeyondBlood #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity #FamilySupport #NickJonas #JonasBrothers
Nick Jonas, one third of the Jonas Brothers, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 13. Since then, his brothers and bandmates, Kevin and Joe, have been his rock.
“They’re incredibly supportive, and really help normalize it,” Nick shares.
His siblings ensure he has juice and snacks by his bedside, ready to act during sugar highs or lows.
“They understand if I’m irritable, it’s probably because my glucose is high. They give me grace or ensure I have what I need,” he says.
Beyond physical health, Nick stresses the importance of addressing mental health in the T1D community.
“It’s super important for people to have that conversation around the mental health aspect,” he emphasizes, highlighting the significance of acknowledging strong support systems in effectively managing T1D.
#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #BondedBeyondBlood #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity #FamilySupport #NickJonas #JonasBrothers
Living with type 1 diabetes affects more than just the individual—it impacts the entire family. From navigating treatment routines to offering unwavering support, every member plays a crucial role in the journey towards managing this condition together. #BondedBeyondBlood
Living with type 1 diabetes affects more than just the individual—it impacts the entire family. From navigating treatment routines to offering unwavering support, every member plays a crucial role in the journey towards managing this condition together. #BondedBeyondBlood
🌍💙 On #WorldHealthDay, let`s join hands to empower those impacted by diabetes and drive groundbreaking research forward! With over 400 million worldwide affected, raising awareness and supporting research is crucial. Join us in making a difference today! Click the link in our bio to donate to Diabetes Research Connection today and support early career scientists shaping a healthier future for all. #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #HealthForAll #WorldHealthDay2024
🌍💙 On #WorldHealthDay, let`s join hands to empower those impacted by diabetes and drive groundbreaking research forward! With over 400 million worldwide affected, raising awareness and supporting research is crucial. Join us in making a difference today! Click the link in our bio to donate to Diabetes Research Connection today and support early career scientists shaping a healthier future for all. #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #HealthForAll #WorldHealthDay2024
We grant up to $75,000 to support each research project
#InnovativeDiabetesResearch