Dr. Scott Soleimanpour is deeply immersed in research for type 1 diabetes (T1D). He’s an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine; Investigator for the Brehm Diabetes Research Center; Director of the Diabetes Transition Program; and Consulting Physician of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System for University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes (MEND).

He was inspired by his own experience. Dr. Soleimanpour has T1D, diagnosed at age 5, and he has participated in many of the JDRF One Walks (including before they were called “One Walk”).

Recently, Dr. Soleimanpour earned a $750,000 grant from JDRF to help him continue his research into beta cells. He is studying one of 60 genes that are different in those who have T1D than those who do not. His focus is on how this particular gene weakens or eliminates beta cells, which produce insulin (learn more about his research here).

“What I’ve learned in my research throughout the years is how little we know about why people get T1D. We need a smarter understanding to develop a smarter cure. If I can advance the understanding of why we get T1D by focusing on one gene, while other researchers focus on other genes, I believe we’ll gain the knowledge we need to develop a solution,” said Dr. Soleimanpour.

Events like JDRF’s One Walk raise funds for important research, like Dr. Soleimanpour’s, so one day Type One will be Type None.

For now, be the rally for research type and the committed to a cure type. Join thousands of supporters at JDRF One Walk on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, at Milliken State Park/ Detroit River Walk or Dexter on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at Hudson Mills Metropark.