Paris, France, March 14, 2024—A French initiative called SFDT1 received an award from JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, to support its long-term study designed to explore and better understand cardiovascular risks and complications in people living with T1D. As one of the largest and most comprehensive studies of its kind, SFDT1 will follow a diverse group of 15,000 individuals living with T1D over 30 years, gathering a broad range of data that can help reduce complications and improve the quality of life for those with T1D.

Cardiovascular complications remain a dangerous risk for those living with T1D. People with T1D are several times more likely to experience cardiovascular events than those without T1D, even when common risk factors are not present. Through ongoing and regular engagement with participants, SFDT1 will collect and analyze clinical, psychosocial, and biological data as well as patient-reported outcomes and more that, over time, will provide insight into the key factors behind this increased risk. This cohort will seek to fill important gaps in T1D data, helping to create a more robust record of information that could potentially validate other research and inform future clinical trials.

“Reducing the risks of devastating complications of type 1 diabetes and improving the lives of those who live with the disease are key priorities for JDRF,” said Courtney Ackeifi, Ph.D., JDRF Senior Scientist. “While cardiovascular complications have been studied, it is not yet well understood why people with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk. The SFDT1 study presents the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of cardiovascular risk that could pave the way for breakthroughs in treatment and ultimately improve the health of those who live with type 1 diabetes.”

The SFDT1 cohort will include adults and children over the age of six living with T1D and will be recruited from France and other French territories, allowing for diversity in participants.

About SFDT1 Study

SFDT1 is a research programme initiated by SFD (Société Francophone du Diabète) in 2019 and sponsored by the FFRD (Fondation Francophone pour la Recherche du Diabète). SFDT1 is a prospective, longitudinal cohort of people living with type 1 diabetes exploring factors associated with residual cardiovascular risk and other diabetes related complications. It will include 15000 participants (adults and children over 6 years old) with an active follow-up during 10 years and passive 30 years follow-up. For more information visit sfdt1.fr or follow us on Twitter (@SFDT1_fr) and Linked In (@e-cohorte SFDT1)

About SFD (Société Francophone du diabète)

SFD, Société Francophone du Diabète, was established in 1954. Its objective is to foster research development and quality clinical practice in diabetes in France and French speaking countries. This objective is translated in all activities, scientific meetings, research support, its main journal Diabetes & Metabolism and internet site. In addition, SFD is sponsoring the journal Médecine des maladies Métaboliques, MmM targeted to French speaking countries. Members, physicians and allied health care professionals, are all involved in research and diabetes care. For more information please visit sfdiabete.org

About FFRD ( Fondation Francophone pour la recherche sur le diabète)

A Foundation recognized as being of public utility to advance diabetes research. The Foundation has been established by the SFD with a single objective “to promote and support research in diabetes and metabolic diseases “ through public and private partnerships. For more information please visit ffrdiabete.org

About JDRF

JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short or long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death if left untreated. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.