T1D Research Highlights of 2017
JDRF is improving life with type 1 diabetes—and creating a future without it
At JDRF, our ultimate goal is finding a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). We are also committed to funding the development of new therapies to keep people with T1D healthier, longer, until that cure is found. Read on to learn how JDRF research just this past year is making life with T1D better.
Better outcomes in T1D pregnancies
The CONCEPTT trial showed that continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy led to significantly better health outcomes for mothers with T1D and their babies. These findings could lead to an improved standard of care for expecting mothers with T1D around the world.
Slower progression of T1D
Researchers discovered that the cancer drug imatinib slowed the progression of T1D and the loss of insulin production in adults newly diagnosed with T1D. Scientists also found that oral insulin delayed progression of T1D by more than 30 months in certain people. The ability to significantly postpone T1D progression is a big accomplishment in itself and could lead to further therapeutic advances as well.
Healthier hearts and kidneys
Heart disease is a major public health concern, including within the T1D community. So the finding that metformin can improve cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in adults with longstanding T1D is good news indeed.
Lower blood sugar, better health
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals reported that the drug sotagliflozin reduced HbA1c in adults with T1D and also improved other key health measures, such as time in range, body weight and blood pressure, without increasing hypoglycemia. HbA1c is often the primary outcome for T1D therapies, but other outcomes are equally valid and important to the T1D community. JDRF led an effort to define these outcomes, which resulted in the recent publication of a consensus statement on clinically meaningful outcomes beyond HbA1c. We believe this will lead to an improved standard of care, more efficient clinical trials and improved insurance reimbursement options, and we are excited to see trials like Lexicon’s acknowledging the importance of these outcomes.
Results like these have delivered progress we can be proud of in 2017. But we are not done yet. Get a sneak peek at some of the new projects we are most excited about for 2018 and beyond.