The American Diabetes Association’s 84th Scientific Sessions were held from June 21- 24th 2024. This annual conference brings together researchers and scientists to both present and learn about the latest in type 1 diabetes research and technological advancements. Many of the presentations features study results from researchers funded by Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF International) and JDRF Canada. The work presented at ADA will advance research and ultimately improve outcomes for people with diabetes (T1D). Updates in Cell Therapy Research: Cell therapy aims to replace the insulin-pr ..read more

(L: Evan, R: Brendan)Content warning: This story is about a young man who tragically died from diabetes complications and experienced mental illnesses In May 2024, Evan Hunt laced up his running shoes and took the first of approximately 50,000 steps in the BMO Vancouver Marathon. He thought of his brother Brendan, who had undergone the pre-run ritual countless times. For Evan, the marathon was a labour of love for Brendan, who tragically passed away from type 1 diabetes (T1D) complications in 2022 at age 28.   In 2023, Brendan’s parents, Steve and Trish Hunt, contacted JDRF on a mission t ..read more

Content warning: This story is about a young man who tragically died from diabetes complications and experienced mental illnesses In May 2024, Evan Hunt laced up his running shoes and took the first of approximately 50,000 steps in the BMO Vancouver Marathon. He thought of his brother Brendan, who had undergone the pre-run ritual countless times. For Evan, the marathon was a labour of love for Brendan, who tragically passed away from type 1 diabetes (T1D) complications in 2022 at age 28.   In 2023, Brendan’s parents, Steve and Trish Hunt, contacted JDRF on a mission to turn their unfathom ..read more

Guest post from Devin Myers, RN Devin Myers is a health writer as well as a registered nurse. She has experience in various areas of nursing including critical care and hemodialysis. She has worked with many people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) throughout her career and has relatives with T1D.    Her passion is sharing health information on a large scale to help people live healthier lives.    When not writing or working as a nurse, you can find her spending time with her husband and son, hiking, boating, and spending time at the family cottage.  &nbs ..read more

Suzanne Reisler Litwin has been fundraising for JDRF, quite close to the organization’s founding and has a goal of raising $50,000 for this year’s Montreal JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes to support type 1 diabetes research. Suzanne Reisler Litwin, born and raised in Montreal, is a mom and an educator at Concordia University in the Continuing Education department.  She also teaches creative writing courses at the Cumming Centre. She holds creative writing workshops depending on where the need is and writes a bi-monthly column in The Suburban newspaper. JDRF recently had the chance to talk with ..read more

Alison Hunt is celebrating her 28th DiaVersary by walking 28km to raise funds for JDRF and T1D research I was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario and moved to Ottawa, Ontario in 2010 to start my undergraduate degree. I graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa in 2014, and stayed in Ottawa where I currently reside with my husband J-F and our one-year-old Doberman, Rogue. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, going to sporting events and concerts, baking, playing board games with friends, and walking and snu ..read more

JDRF’s Mental Health and Diabetes Strategy – where we are now  May is Mental Health Awareness month, a national movement to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, and the structural gaps that exist in accessing treatment and support.  There is no physical health without mental health. JDRF has long recognized the need to prioritize both – particularly as it relates to our mission to improve the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).    T1D affects a person’s emotional, social, and mental wellbeing throughout their lifetime, known collectively a ..read more

The BETTER project, a Canadian research initiative, gets a boost from renewed JDRF funding. Bringing together patient partners – people living, or with a child living, with type 1 diabetes (T1D) – researchers, healthcare professionals and policymakers, this project aims to improve the lives of people living by T1D in Canada. Initially funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and JDRF until 2024, the BETTER project has received extended support from JDRF for an additional three years. This renewed funding acknowledges the project’s significant impact, and will enable the tea ..read more

National Volunteer Week takes place from April 14 – 20, 2024, as organizations across the country celebrate those who generously donate their time and talents to their community.  The National Volunteer Week theme for 2024 is Every Moment Matters! This theme highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. JDRF is recognizing 50 years in Canada this year, and this theme could not be more appropriate. We were started by a group of devoted parents determined to find a cure for their children living with type 1 dia ..read more

I was living in Winnipeg; I’ve spent my whole life here. I was diagnosed at the age of 6, spring of 1974, it was the May long weekend. I was not terribly sick but was showing signs: eating a lot, urinating a lot, etc. My mom had a doctor’s appointment and she brought me with her, and the family doctor recognized the symptoms and suggested she take me to the hospital, he met us there and that’s when I received my diagnosis.  My first thought as a child was regret that I hadn’t eaten the ice cream on the hospital tray, thinking I would never be able to eat it again.  I also very clear ..read more