T1D RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS THE TOP RESEARCH PROGRESS IN 2019 ~ SUPPORTED BY JDRF
New drug delays T1D by 2 years
Findings from a JDRF-funded study show that the immunotherapy drug teplizumab can delay T1D diagnosis a median of 2 years in children and adults at high risk.
Blood pressure drug slows T1D progression
A US-based clinical trial showed that verapamil – a medication used to treat high blood pressure – can help slow the progression of T1D and preserve beta cell function.
New immune system marker of T1D discovered
Researchers at the St Vincent’s Institute in Melbourne discovered a key marker of the immune response that causes T1D – something which could make it easier to monitor progression of the condition.
A material found in seaweed can protect islet cells
A material known as alginate, derived from brown seaweed, showed promise as a barrier to protect beta cells used in islet transplants.
A link between gut bacteria and pancreas function
Researchers at the University of Queensland made a discovery that could one day help to prevent T1D – a direct link between pancreatic function and the bacteria that live in our gut.
Rotavirus vaccine may help prevent T1D
A Melbourne study found that the rotavirus vaccine – used to protect children from a nasty stomach virus – may also help to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Continued support for clinical research in Australia
Through the efforts of JDRF advocates, T1D research got a $54.5 million bipartisan commitment including continued support for the Australian Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network (CRN).
THE WORLD’S FIRST SELF-ADJUSTING INSULIN PUMP SYSTEM COMES TO AUSTRALIA
In an Australian first, the Medtronic MiniMed 670G insulin pump system was launched in Melbourne. The system is designed to learn a person’s individual insulin needs, while requiring minimal input from the user, mimicking some of the functions of a healthy pancreas.
Functional insulin producing cells grown in lab
For the first time, researchers were able to transform human stem cells into clusters of insulin-producing cells that mimic the islets of the pancreas.
Continuous glucose monitoring funding expanded
Thousands of Australians with T1D were given access to life-changing diabetes technology thanks to a $100 million expansion of the Federal Government’s Continuous Glucose Monitoring Funding Initiative.
