Welcome to JDRF Northwest!
We are committed to funding the world’s best research to cure type 1 diabetes and its complications. JDRF Northwest serves people in Washington, Montana, and Alaska through advocacy efforts, online support and resources, educational events, research updates, fundraisers, and Northwest diabetes resources.
News Highlights
Spread Diabetes Awareness in November
We are joining the United Nations and the global diabetes community to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes throughout November, Diabetes Awareness Month. Learn about global activities, a fun local event, and ways to get involved.
JDRF and Bayhill Therapeutics Collaborate on DNA Vaccine
JDRF will provide up to $3 million to support Bayhill's ongoing Phase I/II human clinical trial of BHT-3021, a DNA vaccine designed to reverse the immune response that causes type 1 diabetes and slow or stop further loss of pancreatic beta cell function. Funding is based on the Palo Alto company’s attainment of specific clinical milestones, which are expected to be reached in late 2009.
Promising Results from Computer-Based Artificial Pancreas Study
With funding from JDRF, University of Virginia researchers have completed the first of several international trials of a personalized, computerized artificial pancreas system to regulate blood glucose levels. By linking patients' glucose monitors with their insulin pumps, the program automatically regulates the amount of insulin a patient needs. Complete results from early trials are expected by the end of 2008.
NW Cyclists Tackle Death Valley and 108 Degrees for a Cure
Thirty-two Northwest riders braved extreme heat to raise funds and awareness during the Death Valley, CA Ride to Cure in mid-October. Despite the toasty weather, cyclists rode up to 105 miles through a striking desert landscape and raised nearly $140,000 for JDRF Northwest. That brings the collective total to more than $170,000 (and counting) from Ride to Cure cycling events in Death Valley, Sonoma Valley, CA, and Black Diamond, WA. Way to go Team Northwest!
New JDRF Partnership Focuses on “Smart” Insulin Development
JDRF has teamed with Massachusetts-based SmartCells, Inc. to speed the development and testing of SmartInsulin for people with type 1 diabetes. The once-daily injectable SmartInsulin is designed to maintain continuous, tight control of blood glucose levels while reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Ask Google for a Diabetes Doodle on World Diabetes Day (Nov. 14)
Help us spread awareness about the United-Nations designated “World Diabetes Day” on November 14! Please sign an online petition to ask Google for a special World Diabetes Day doodle. Doodles are the different logos on the Google homepage to commemorate special holidays and events. Add your signature today!
“Hygiene Hypothesis” Linked To Diabetes Prevention In JDRF-Funded Study
A research study funded by JDRF suggests that a common intestinal bacteria may provide some protection from developing type 1 diabetes. The findings, reported in Nature Magazine, provide an important step towards understanding how and why type 1 diabetes develops in people, and may lead to potential cures.
Progression of Type 1 Diabetes Stopped with Short-Term Drug Use
Researchers at Columbia University and the University of California, San Francisco have halted the course of early stage type 1 diabetes for a year by treating patients for just two weeks with a new immune-suppressive drug, which only had minor side effects. The year-long clinical trial is the first to stop the progression of type 1 diabetes using a short-term therapy specifically targeting disease-causing T-cells.
Continuous Glucose Control Improves Pregnancy Outcomes in Diabetes
For diabetic women, continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy may not only improve glycemic control but also diminish the risk of complications, researchers found.
Sign Up for JDRF Northwest eNews
Register now for our eNewsletter to keep up with the latest research developments, legislation, clinical studies, and events.
JDRF National News
- CBS Early Show Features JDRF’s Artificial Pancreas Project
- JDRF Announces 2008 Scholar Award Recipients
- JDRF Research Frontline Newsletter (July 2008)
- Life with Diabetes Newsletter (July 2008)
- Hope for Adults with Type 1 is Focus of Global Diabetes Research Forum
- Human Stem Cells Fully Functional When Transplanted Into Mice
- Parenting When You Have Type 1 Diabetes
- JDRF Kids Website
Volunteer for JDRF Northwest!
Whatever your interest, we’d love your help in our quest for a cure:
- Help in the Office
- Staff an Event
- Intern with Us
- Be a Gov. Relations Advocate
- Work at a Health Fair
- Serve on a Committee
- Donate Your Business Services
Call 206-838-5153 or e-mail jdrfnorthwest@jdrf.org to learn more!