JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1
diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults
with this disease, JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research.
The goal of JDRF is to improve the lives of every person affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.
T1D is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved.
T1D strikes suddenly at any age and is not outgrown. Until a cure is found, those with T1D have to prick their fingers and give themselves insulin injections multiple times a day. Even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its potential complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation. As many as 3 million Americans have T1D.
JDRF is committed to improving the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes, today and in the future.
Consistent with this goal we focus on both short and long term opportunities. Broadly, these are science leading to better treatments, and science leading to a cure.