Breakthrough T1D Blog

Ramya (left), Dr. Bruce Verchere, Co-Director at the Centre (middle), and Dr. Benjamin Mammon, another member of the T1D Lived Experience Advisory Group (right). Photo credit: Macy Yap Type 1 diabetes stories help shape research  Ramya Hosak was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 19 while attending university. Since then, she has been a devoted volunteer, helping others navigate the challenges of T1D and the steep learning curve that accompanies a life-altering diagnosis.  As co-chair of the T1D Lived Experience […]

On January 6th, 2026, Encellin (California, Quebec) reported positive interim results of its Phase 1 clinical trial of encapsulated islets in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), which is being carried out in Toronto and Montreal. Trial Details:In Encellin’s trial, cadaveric human donor islets are being encapsulated in Encellin’s Encapsulated Cell Replacement Therapy (ENCRT) device and […]

While we look forward to the year ahead, we want to also reflect on 2025 and the breakthroughs we saw, in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, advocacy, community engagement, and more.  We were also able to host successful events and community initiatives across the country. Our first full year as Breakthrough T1D Canada was one […]

In recent years, rapid technological innovations related to diabetes devices like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors have significantly helped many people manage their T1D. An exciting new development is underway into continuous ketone monitors (CKM), and Breakthrough T1D is both funding research in this area and shaping recommendations for how they could be used. […]

In addition to funding research, a key component of Breakthrough T1D’s research strategy is the promotion and knowledge translation of clinical trials. Here we report on recent results from international trials relevant to our type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. To see if there is actively recruiting research that you can be part of, see our […]

It feels like it happens every year, the months go by in a flash and before you know it, the holiday season is upon us. And now it’s time to find that perfect gift for those closest to you. Breakthrough T1D is here to take some of the stress out of gift-giving and we’ve put […]

In young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), nearly all insulin-producing cells are destroyed before they can mature, helping explain why the progression of T1D is more aggressive in early childhood. The study, published in Science Advances, ahead of World Diabetes Day, was funded by the UK Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge– a partnership between […]

On October 29th, 2025, researchers, partners, and members of the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community gathered in person at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to discuss year 4 progress and future plans for the Breakthrough T1D Canucks For Kids Fund Centre of Excellence at UBC (The Centre) The day was rich with powerful presentations […]

On Nov 3-6, 2025, Montreal was host to the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) 51st Annual Conference. ISPAD is a yearly highlight of the T1D conference calendar, and this year was no exception. Scientists, clinicians, researchers, industry members, people with diabetes, and more were on hand to provide updates in cures, improving […]

Winter is on its way, and with it the holiday season and the parties and meals that come along with it. Most of us find we indulge a little more in holiday snacks and treats – and these are often sugar and carb laden. One of the major stresses of managing type 1 diabetes (T1D), […]

One of Canada’s longest running and top fundraising events and the country’s premier team stationary cycling event took place in Montréal, Québec and Toronto, Ontario on October 9 and 16 respectively, along with several Ride Your Way events throughout the remainder of the year. Breakthrough T1D Ride is a high-energy event that sees hundreds of […]

On October 8th, 2025, Breakthrough T1D Canada hosted a virtual summit for its 2023 Mental Health and T1D Community Grants, bringing together project leads, community members, donors, volunteers, staff, and advisors from across the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. The event served as a space to share, celebrate, and reflect on the impact of the […]