Path to Cures: An Interactive Timeline
Explore how nearly five decades of history is changing the future for people impacted by T1D
JDRF is Founded by Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes
The First Step in Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
JDRF raises $10,000 in our first year. The money is used to find out how many people in the United States are living with diabetes—a statistic previously unknown.
Early Artificial Pancreas Technology
A prototype computerized artificial pancreas (AP) system is developed. At this point the unit is very large. The advent of wireless technology and miniaturization 30 years later has made automated blood-glucose control through wearable AP systems a realistic goal.
The First Promise Ball is Held
The first Promise Ball is held in New York City to raise money for diabetes research. The JDRF Gala program has raised in excess of $1 billion toward JDRF’s mission.
Juvenile Diabetes Square
Times Square in New York City is transformed during Juvenile Diabetes Week to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes.
A Possible Genetic Link is Discovered
The HLA system describes proteins on the surface of cells that are inherited from generation to generation. It has now been shown that persons with type 1 diabetes are more likely to have certain variations of these proteins than would be expected by chance.
JDRF at the White House
JDRF volunteers meet with White House officials to discuss the problem of type 1 diabetes.
National Diabetes Advisory Board Created
The National Diabetes Advisory Board is established by Congress to advise on all national government efforts to combat diabetes. Lee Ducat, Carol Lurie and Erwin Lurie would all serve as board members.
Hemoglobin A1c Test Developed
A test is developed to measure hemoglobin A1c levels. Scientists are now able to gauge how much blood sugar has attached to the hemoglobin molecule, and thereby can determine the state of diabetic control over a period of months.
Waking Up Washington
Nearly 400 JDRF leaders, advocates and volunteers meet with Members of Congress during a three-day session to raise awareness and build support for type 1 diabetes research funding. Senator Richard S. Schweiker (R-PA) is one of JDRF’s earliest champions, instrumental in initiating legislative measures in support of diabetes research.