The American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 81st Scientific Sessions is almost here! From June 25-29, scientists and healthcare professionals will gather, virtually, at one of the largest conferences of diabetes researchers in the world. JDRF researchers and JDRF-funded scientists will also be there virtually to hear first-hand and present new study results that will improve outcomes for people with diabetes (T1D). Read what’s happening below.

ADA’s 81st Scientific Sessions

• The Scientific Sessions is one of the largest gatherings of diabetes researchers in the world, where scientists and healthcare professionals share and learn about new diabetes advances with top experts.
• JDRF-supported research has been highlighted at this annual event since JDRF started funding research, showcasing new breakthroughs and therapies for people with T1D.
• This year, researchers will present 120+ studies—with JDRF-funding at present or in the past—encompassing breakthrough clinical trials and significant research studies that are paving the way to novel and emerging treatments for T1D.
• JDRF-funded researchers will outline new advances like:

Curing T1D

• Cell Therapies
  • Stem cell-derived beta cells: What is the state of the art?
• Disease-Modifying Therapies
  • How can we implement immune intervention in clinical practice?
  • What are the epigenetic effects on beta cell proliferation, function, and survival?
• T1D Screening
  • General vs. targeted screening: Which one is best?

Improving Lives

• Glucose Control
  • Low blood sugar therapies: Pros vs. cons?
  • Who should use a DIY artificial pancreas system?
• Complications
  • Clinical trials for diabetic kidney disease: Are we ready?
  • A new staging system for diabetic eye disease: Are we ready for prime time?
• Psychosocial
  • Preserving mental health across the lifespan and during COVID-19?

Throughout the Scientific Sessions, JDRF will be sharing updates to keep people apprised of the day-to-day happenings:

• Blog posts before, during, and after the ADA meeting
• A Facebook Live event (@myJDRF) for each day, from 7:00-7:30pm ET, with JDRF-funded scientists talking about the takeaways from that day
• A “happy hour” with CEO Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., from 7-8pm ET on Tuesday, June 29, speaking about the takeaways from the ADA Scientific Sessions and a Q&A period to answer questions from you, via Facebook Live (@myJDRF)
• Interviews with JDRF-funded scientists, who will go over their research and what it means to the T1D community, to be pushed out on social media
• To stay updated, follow us on Facebook (@myJDRF) and Twitter (@JDRF and @JDRFResearch), with the hashtags #JDRFxADA and #ADA2021