Breakthrough T1D Blog

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Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress Wrap Up

Breakthrough T1D Canada was proud to have representatives included in this important advocacy event. The Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress advocacy program organized by Breakthrough T1D International in the United States, was inspired by a boy from Massachusetts named Tommy Solo (one of the type 1 diabetes (T1D) role models at the event). At age nine, […]

Coast to Coast for Cures – reflections on the ride of a lifetime

Breakthrough T1D Canada Board Member Matt Varey rode across Canada in support of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research On May 3, Matt Varey, a longtime volunteer with Breakthrough T1D Canada (formerly JDRF) and current Co-Chair of the Breakthrough T1D International Board, began a 61 day, 7400km+ journey to cycle across Canada. At 61, Matt had […]

Annual American Diabetes Association Conference provides updates in all fields of type 1 diabetes research

The American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions were held from June 21- 24th, 2025. The research presented at ADA covers all areas of type 1 diabetes (T1D) developments, including devices, adjunct therapies and the latest in cell therapies. Updates in cell therapies research Dr. Andrew Pepper (Edmonton) presented on vascularization strategies to increase the survival […]

ADHD and type 1 diabetes collide

Guest post: Mark E. Paull, CME, Substack: adhd-t1dm.substack.com, Published Writer | Lived-Experience Advocate | Type 1 diabetes since 1967 | This is my experience. It may apply to others—perhaps we all share certain aspects of it—or it may not. The connections between ADHD, cognition, and perception need more research. What follows is not a claim, […]

Breakthrough T1D Walk a success coast to coast

Throughout June, thousands of supporters in nearly 50 communities gathered across the country to raise funds for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Breakthrough T1D Walk (formerly the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes) is the largest fundraising event in Canada that unites the T1D community who are dedicated to making every day better for the estimated […]

Cell therapy first: transplanted islets working without immunosuppressives

On Jan 7, 2025 (Sweden), Sana Biotechnology released significant clinical data: the first person with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who received deceased donor islets engineered to evade the immune system is producing insulin without immunosuppression. UPDATE: June 23, 2025Sana Biotechnology presented updated data on June 23, 2025 at the six-month follow up timepoint. The single patient dosed […]

Accelerating Cures: Four New Grants from the Breakthrough T1D – SCN Partnership

We’ve made major progress in the development of cell replacement therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D) over the past few decades – much of it right here in Canada. We know that manufactured islets can be safely implanted into people, where they start to make insulin. But there is more work to do to advance […]

Jim Beatty – navigating an adult diagnosis in the spotlight

Jim Beatty is a passionate volunteer in the fight against type 1 diabetes.  For many years, Jim has volunteered with the JDRF, and now Breakthrough T1D, emceeing events and participating on various committees. Jim has been living with type 1 diabetes for more than 20 years, following his adult diagnosis. Jim is a former journalist […]

Exciting New Grants in the Breakthrough T1D Cures Portfolio

We are pleased to announce 6 new grants funded via Breakthrough T1D International (USA) to stellar Canadian scientists.  These grants all support cell therapy research to replace insulin-producing cells in people living with T1D. Dr. Cristina Nostro, University Health Network (Toronto) Manufacturing clinical-grade stem cell-derived islets – 2 Grants To date, global efforts on this […]

Faces of the $100M Campaign to Accelerate: Aryssah’s story

Type 1 in year 1: turning the page on an unexpected diagnosis at university Meet Aryssah, an incredibly resilient adult living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). She is a committed $100M Campaign to Accelerate volunteer and champion of diabetes and mental health support. She devotes her time to appreciating the incredible philanthropic donors who help […]

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