DRC & Research News

This page shares the latest news in T1D research and DRC’s community.

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Connect For A Cure: November 2020 Newsletter

DRC has distributed over $400,000 to research projects like Dr. Hughes’s and Dr. Racine’s in 2020 alone! We have received three times the average amount of applications for funding of new projects over the past couple of months. View our “Support a Project” page to see what other research projects we are currently funding by clicking here. Take a look at our newsletter to see how great DRC’s 3rd Annual Dance for Diabetes Virtual Party was! Thank you to everyone who participated and donated to the event, DRC could not do what it does without the generous support of its donors and community.

Click this link to view our November newsletter that we mailed out previously this month about what we’ve been up to and the impact we are making together. It takes a community to connect for a cure!

 

 

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Connect For A Cure: June 2020 Newsletter

The importance of research has been highlighted during this pandemic and our early-career scientists continue their ground-breaking, peer-reviewed research. Since November, we’ve funded 8 new research projects. Thank you for your support and for being a part of the DRC community.

Click on the link below to read more about what we’ve been up to and the impact we are making together. It takes a community to connect for a cure!

June 2020 Newsletter

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Connect For A Cure: November 2019 Newsletter

The word is getting out, we have some exciting new research updates for you.

We had a record number of early-career scientists submit their research project proposals for funding this year. You can view the new projects in early 2020. We continue to see early-career scientists go on to do amazing things. Wendy Yang, Ph.D., was published for a second time, in the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health and as a result her DRC funded project is getting more exposure. Peter Thompson, Ph.D., one out of 20 early-career scientists DRC has supported was just given the opportunity to start his own lab in Canada.

Click on the link below to read more about what we’ve been up to and the impact we are making together. It takes a community to connect for a cure!

November 2019 Newsletter

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Connect For A Cure: May 2019 Newsletter

We’re committed to keeping our community updated. Click on the link below to read more about what we’ve been up to and the impact we are making together. It takes a community to connect for a cure!

May 2019 Newsletter

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National Tell A Story Day: A Founder’s Story

At the age of six, I knew something wasn’t quite right. I didn’t have the same energy as all the other kids did that I played with. My mom took me to the doctor and after running a few tests, the doctor says to my mom and me, “David has Type 1 Diabetes and won’t live past the age of 30”. We were devasted. Trying to comprehend and make sense of what my diagnosis actually meant at age 6 was impossible. There were no support systems in place back then. Not for me and not for my family.

It was 1960 and the management of T1D was in the “Stone Age”. I remember having to sharpen my own needles at home with a grinding stone, so I could inject myself with animal insulin that gave me horrible welts, it was extremely painful. To monitor my blood sugar, my mom would drive me to the hospital once a quarter to test through a urine sample.

Today, my blood is tested 288 times a day through a monitor. Those needles that I had to sharpen myself, have been replaced with an insulin pen. And, I proved those doctor’s wrong, I’m now in my 60’s, well past the age of 30. While recalling my journey with this disease, I realized that the time lapse between then and now is 50 years – an entire generation.

When I think about all of the advancements that have been made, how far we have come in 50 years, I’m amazed. In one generation, Genentech discovered how to synthesize human insulin. The accuracy of glucose testing has improved drastically. Blood glucose monitors now allow us to monitor at home. While researchers have not found a cure yet, in their search for one, they have found ways to improve the lives of those of us living with this extremely difficult disease and I for one, am forever grateful.

Imagine if today, the 1.3 million people affected by this disease were still having to inject themselves with animal insulin? This is why funding research is so important and why I founded the Diabetes Research Connection. To offer hope and advancements and one day, a cure.

Find out more about the Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) and how to support our efforts by visiting https://diabetesresearchconnection.org/join-us/

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2017 Year in Review

This past year has been a year of impact at the Diabetes Research Connection. With the generosity of our supporters, we funded five innovative, peer-reviewed type 1 diabetes (T1D) projects, bringing the total to 12. Our sponsored early-career scientists developed data to show beginnings of proof of principle concepts that in turn precipitated substantial additional grants. We also had two researchers publish their work in diabetes journals.

We’re committed to keeping our community updated on all projects and DRC happenings, so we wanted to take time to share all the amazing things that happened in 2017.

In January, Jeffrey Serrill, Ph.D. at the City of Hope in Los Angeles started off the year with his project, Determining How Other Cells (Non-Beta) In The Pancreas Affect Diabetes. This is the 13th research project to launch on our website.

In March, we funded our 8th project; Peter Thompson, Ph.D., at the University of California, San Francisco, Regrowth of Beta Cells with Small Molecule Therapy.

In April, we funded our 9th and 10th research projects; Joseph Lancman, Ph.D., at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Replacement Beta-Cells From An Unexpected Source and Agata Jurcyzk, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, What is the Connection Between T1D and Depression?

In May, our 11th project was funded; Gene-Specific Models and Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes, research being conducted by Jeremy Racine, Ph.D. of The Jackson Laboratory.

In June, we partnered with the diaTribe Foundation for the 2nd annual Brews & Blood Sugar event. More than 100 people joined us to sample beer from one of San Diego’s premier breweries, to learn how different varieties of beer affect blood sugar and support efforts to find solutions for those with diabetes.

In July, DRC funding precipitated a $1M grant for one of our researchers and his lab. Joseph Lancman, Ph.D., at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute was awarded $47,000 in funding by DRC to conduct his research project titled, Replacement Beta-Cells From An Unexpected Source. The results from this project enabled his lab to secure a $1M grant from the prestigious W.M. Keck Foundation. In the researcher’s own words, “The Diabetes Research Connection, like the Keck Foundation, plays a critical role in biomedical science by supporting innovative projects that most other funding sources consider high-risk. However, these high-risk projects have high-reward potential, essential for stemming next-generation technologies.”

Also in July, DRC spoke at the Children with Diabetes Friends for Life conference in Orlando, Florida. CC King, Ph.D., Todd Brusko, Ph.D., and David Baidal, M.D. presented on the current trends in T1D research and provided an update on contributions made by early-career scientists.

August was a busy month for us at DRC. Two of our researchers were published for their work in diabetes research. Support by DRC enabled Wendy Yang, Ph.D., to contribute to a major study published in Cell Report. In this study, the investigators discovered that alpha-catenin, a protein that regulates cell-cell interactions and communication is a potent regulator of pancreatic islet cell development. Click here to read the full article. In addition, Kristin Mussar, Ph.D., completed her project and found evidence that macrophages, a type of white cell usually associated with infection, also play an important role in the development of the islets, where insulin is made, just before and immediately after birth. The published report shows how macrophages help islets grow indicating that selected agents may activate the cascade of proteins enhancing islet growth, an important contribution for future treatments in T1D.

Also in August, we funded our 12th project; Yo Suzuki, Ph.D., at the J. Craig Venter Institute, Needles be Gone for Type One Diabetes Patients.

In September, we launched our 14th project; David Baidal, M.D., at the Diabetes Research Institute, The Omentum as an Alternative Islet Transplant Site.

In October, we launched our 15th and 16th research projects; Ningwen Tai, Ph.D., Yale University Diabetes Center, A Bacteria in the Gut May Predict Type 1 Diabetes and Jane Kim, M.D., at Rady Children’s Hospital and the University of California, San Diego, What Type of Type 1 Diabetes Does Your Child Have?

In November and in recognition of World Diabetes Day, we were honored to have Dr. Jane Kim’s project featured by Good Morning San Diego.

In December, we launched our 17th project; Tamara Oser, M.D., Penn State College of Medicine, Using Technology to Improve Diabetes Self-Management. We also had the world record holder for being the youngest person to cross America on foot visit us in San Diego on Thursday, December 14, 2017. Noah (11yrs old) started in Key West, FL on January 1, 2017, and finished on Saturday, December 9, 2017, in Blaine, WA, approximately 4,230 miles. Noah was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) when he was 16 months old and has lived with insulin shots most of his life. We were grateful to share his story on Good Morning San Diego.

This past year was important for moving research forward and adding to the field of diabetes. We could not do what we do without the continued support of our community.

 

 

 

 

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A Multitude of Potential Treatment Options for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that does not discriminate. It affects males and females of all races and ethnicities around the world. Researchers in many countries are striving to develop effective treatment options that help the body to regulate blood glucose on its own and reduce the need for constant monitoring and insulin injections. At the Kyoto Diabetes Mini-Symposium in June 2017, researchers presented various studies and their potential impacts. Here is an overview of some of the treatment options being explored:

Islet Transplantation: Islet transplantation is one option that scientists have been working on for many years. Patients receive infusions of human islet cells to replace the cells their bodies have mistakenly destroyed. Studies have shown that this approach has resulted in improved glycemic control and hypoglycemia awareness, as well as protection from severe hypoglycemic events in some patients. However, there are still challenges regarding the lifespan of the graphs and their prolonged effectiveness.

Cell Sourcing from Large Animals: One challenge that researchers have faced in islet transplantation is generating a sustainable amount of islet cells. Scientists have turned to large animals such as pigs to try to cultivate a new source. Studies have found that porcine islet cells function very similarly to human islet cells. However, there is concern over the potential transmission of porcine endogenous retroviruses, so scientists have been experimenting with gene editing to inactivate contributing sections of various genes and reduce risk.

Scientists are also exploring the possibility of generating a human pancreas inside a pig so that it will produce human islet cells. Similar studies have been done with rats and mice where each has developed a pancreas for the other. There are many ethical concerns and regulations to be considered with this approach, however.

Human Stem Cell-Derived Beta Cells: Scientists are exploring the potential of targeting human stem cells and guiding them into developing into pancreatic progenitor cells and eventually mature insulin-producing beta cells. Ideally, this would allow the body to better regulate its own blood glucose levels. Researchers are working on improving differentiation protocols and determining the best host conditions for the cells.

Cell Encapsulation: Current treatment involving transplantation requires patients to take medication that suppresses the immune system to keep it from attacking the transplanted cells or organs. While it protects the transplant, it puts patients at risk for a variety of complications. Scientists are working on a process to encapsulate islet cells in a device that protects them from an immune system attack. They are experimenting with different materials, locations, and processes to determine what may potentially work best.

These are just a few of the strategies scientists are investigating to help treat and potentially cure type 1 diabetes. There is still a lot more research and testing necessary to fully explore these options and their safety and efficacy. It is these types of innovative approaches that continue to advance knowledge and treatment regarding type 1 diabetes. The Diabetes Research Connection supports early career scientists in developing their research by providing essential funding. To learn more about current projects and contribute to these efforts, visit http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

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Diabetes Research Connection 2016 Year in Review

This past year has been a big one for us at Diabetes Research Connection. Our donors have stepped up to the plate and helped us fund research towards treating, curing and preventing type 1 diabetes. In fact, in 2016 we were able to raise more than $490,000 thanks to the support of our donors.

We’re committed to keeping our backers updated on all projects and DRC happenings, so we wanted to take time at the beginning of 2017 to remind ourselves and our donors of all the amazing things that happened in 2016.

In January, Sangeeta Dhawan, Ph.D. at UCLA School of Medicine started off the year with her project, Making More and Better Insulin Producing Cells with Cell Regeneration. We were able to help her raise more than $30,000.

Dr. Sangeeta Dhawan

 

In February, we launched another project, Replacement Beta-Cells From An Unexpected Source, a research study conducted by Joseph Lancman, Ph.D. — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. We were able to raise more than $45,000 in support of this project.

Dr.Lancman in Lab

In April, we celebrated World Health Day. This year’s theme was Beat Diabetes, and we encouraged our donors and supporters to get involved in the global fight against diabetes.

In May, another project launched, and we were able to help Peter Thompson, Ph.D. at University of California San Francisco raise more than $30,000 for his project, Regrowth of Beta Cells with Small Molecule Therapy.

Peter Thompson - Regrowth of beta cells with small molecule therapy

Another new project came online in July; Agata Jurcyzk, Ph.D. of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, What is the Connection Between T1D and Depression?

Agata-Headshot

August was a busy month for us at DRC. In mid-August, we partnered with the diaTribe Foundation for Brews & Blood Sugar. More than 100 people joined us to samples beer from one of San Diego’s premier breweries, to learn how different varieties of beer affect blood sugar and support efforts to find solutions for those with diabetes. We also launched our T1D resource center in August, where we’ve curated the best information out there pertaining to T1D. Lastly, we launched a project to raise funds for Gene-Specific Models and Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes, research being conducted by Jeremy Racine, Ph.D. of The Jackson Laboratory.

jeremy_racine_lab

In September, we were honored to be featured by The Huffington Post. We also launched our campaign on Gladitood, which helped us raise money and support for our General Fund as we began to close out the year.

In November, we celebrated National Diabetes Month. As a part of these celebrations, we launched our Double Your Dollars campaign, where every dollar donated to the General Fund was matched 100%. We upped the ante on Cyber Monday, doubling each match, making donations go even further. All told, we raised more than $80,000 in November. Additionally, we hosted a Crowdfunding Science event on Cyber Monday, where attendees joined three Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Donor Advised Fund families to learn about an exciting, successful and innovative crowdfunding platform for scientific research.

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In December, we started a new blog series to help our donors meet the board, and we began by introducing you to Alberto Hayek, M.D., President of DRC.

This past year was monumental for DRC, and 2017 is already off to a great start with the launch of a new research project, Determining How Other Cells (Non-Beta) In The Pancreas Affect Diabetes by Jeffrey D. Serrill, Ph.D. of City of Hope, Los Angeles, California. We’re looking forward to seeing what the year holds as we fund research projects that will bring us closer to preventing, treating and curing T1D.

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alberto hayek

Meet the DRC Board: Alberto Hayek, M.D.

At the Diabetes Research Connection, our passion is working together with the scientific community to find a way to treat, cure and prevent type 1 diabetes, and our board is dedicated to helping achieve our vision.

2016 has been a monumental year for us, as we’ve raised more money than ever before for early-career scientists’ T1D research. One of our core values is to build a strong connection between the board and our supporters. Thus, we’ve interviewed members of our board to find out more about the impact T1D has had on their lives, why they choose to work with DRC and much more.

First up, get to know one of DRC’s founders, Dr. Alberto Hayek.

Alberto Hayek, M.D., President of DRC

Dr. Hayek is the Scientific Director at San Diego’s Scripps Whittier Institute for Diabetes and Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at UCSD. He is a world-renowned diabetes expert in pancreatic islet research and experimental cell replacement therapies for T1D.

We asked Dr. Hayek a few questions to help our donors get to know him better.

How have you been affected by T1D?

Taking care of children with T1D gave me a first-hand glimpse of the struggles this disease causes for patients and their families.

What is the most rewarding part of serving on the DRC board for you personally?

The opportunity to provide funding for junior investigators in T1D as they take their first steps for independent thinking in research and care has been tremendously rewarding.

What is your favorite holiday tradition, related to T1D or not?

I spend a day during Christmas with my grandchildren, ages 3 and 6, making sandwiches for homeless people in San Diego.

Once again, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our donors for helping to make 2016 such a successful year for DRC, and helping to fund innovative T1D research. We’re looking forward to all that 2017 will bring, and we’re hopeful that a year from now we’ll be even closer to eradicating T1D.

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How to Honor National Diabetes Month

Diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans and is the 7th leading cause of death in the US today. While Diabetes Research Connection fights to find a cure for type 1 diabetes every month, we give an extra push during the month of November for National Diabetes Month. There are many ways you can contribute during National Diabetes Month, including our Double Your Dollars campaign, shopping with AmazonSmile, volunteering at a hospital or research center or participating in a walk/run benefiting diabetes. Read below for more details on how you can get involved.

Make Your Donation Count Twice As Much With Double Your Dollars

In honor of National Diabetes Month, DRC is matching every dollar donated to the General Fund (up to $50,000) between now and November 30 through our Double Your Dollars campaign. It is the perfect time to make a difference in the T1D community by donating to our campaign and making your charitable act go twice as far.

Every donation helps early-career scientists launch their ideas and allows 100% of funds directed for T1D research to go directly to the researcher’s laboratory. Donations are critical for us to operate our innovative platform, even though DRC’s operating costs are kept less than 10% of gross revenue.

Make a Difference While Shopping on Amazon

November is the month where most of us start our holiday shopping- the excitement of the good deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost too much to bear. If the crowds and late hours of Black Friday intimidate and overwhelm you and Cyber Monday is more your speed, try using AmazonSmile to accommodate all your holiday shopping needs. AmazonSmile is Amazon’s nonprofit charitable support arm and allows the shopper to choose from a variety of charities who will benefit monetarily from their purchases, without any additional cost to the shopper.

To honor National Diabetes Month, you can do your holiday shopping through AmazonSmile and select Diabetes Research Connection as your charity of choice so that a portion of your purchase goes to finding a cure for those with T1D. Visit smile.amazon.com to get started.

Participate in a Walk or Run

A great way to get involved with the fight to find a cure for T1D and honor National Diabetes Month is to participate in a walk/run benefiting diabetes. Not only would it be benefitting a great cause, but doing a walk/run is a great way to be active with a big group of people. There are many options available depending on what area you live, so it helps to do some research to find one that suits your fitness level needs.

Volunteer at a Hospital or Research Center

It’s very easy to find places that need volunteers, such as hospitals or research centers. Not only is it a good time of year to donate your time because of the holiday giving season, but also because of National Diabetes Month- you can opt for a research center or a hospital that specializes in T1D. This is the perfect way to give back for those who can’t donate money.

For more information on how you can get involved in the fight to find a cure for T1D, and to receive frequent updates about DRC, sign up for our newsletter!

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