Breakthrough T1D Blog

Annual American Diabetes Association Conference provides updates on exciting developments in type 1 diabetes research

July 14, 2023

The American Diabetes Assocation’s 83rd Scientific Sessions were held from June 23- 26th. 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 presenters are funded by JDRF International, JDRF Canada’s affiliate in the United States. JDRF-funded researchers […]

Changes to Glucagon Availability in Canada

July 12, 2023

What is Glucagon? Glucagon is a hormone that helps the liver release glucose to raise blood glucose levels. It can be administered through injection, auto-injection pen or nasal spray. Glucagon is generally used when a person with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unable to swallow liquid or food because of severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) […]

CanScreenT1D: Screening Research Consortium in Canada Announced

July 10, 2023

JDRF Canada, in collaboration with CIHR, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the CIHR-JDRF Type 1 Diabetes Screening Research Consortium. This $12 million grant will develop a single nationally coordinated research network to explore key research questions about the feasibility and acceptability of general population screening for early-stage T1D in Canada. The consortium will […]

JDRF Golf Challenge

June 15, 2023

The name Garfinkle is synonymous with JDRF Canada. Over 50 years ago, in 1971 and 1973 respectively, Krayna Golfman and Mitch Garfinkle saw their sons, David and Jimmy diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). They joined forces with other families affected by the disease to begin their lifelong mission of finding cures for T1D while […]

New Drug to Prevent Hypoglycemia Enters Clinical Trials

June 15, 2023

Low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, is a real fear for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although there are rescue treatments for it, such as injectable or nasal glucagon (Baqsimi), there are currently no preventive therapies available. Canadian company Zucara Therapeutics, however, may have an answer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration clears a new artificial pancreas system

May 30, 2023

On May 23, 2023 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the iLet® Insulin-Only Bionic Pancreas System for people 6 years of age and older with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It is an artificial pancreas system designed to autonomously determine and deliver insulin doses to control blood glucose levels. What is an ‘artificial pancreas’? […]

JDRF 2023 Innovation Grants

May 19, 2023

JDRF provides seed funding for highly innovative research with significant potential to accelerate the most promising type 1 diabetes (T1D) research in both cures and approaches to improve disease management. JDRF Innovation Grants address key challenges in T1D research and have the potential to generate ground-breaking discoveries. JDRF is thrilled to announce that two Canadian […]

Meet our new Board Chair – Helena Gottschling

May 19, 2023

In late April 2023, Helena Gottschling was elected Board Chair for JDRF Canada. Helena Gottschling is a purpose-driven leader who enjoyed a 37-year career with RBC before retiring in 2022. As Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) from 2017-2022, Helena was a member of Group Executive who set the overall strategic direction of RBC, Canada’s biggest […]

JDRF-CIHR Mental Health Grants

May 3, 2023

Mental health and psychosocial issues remain an under-researched yet frequent aspect of living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). As part of the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to Defeat Diabetes, JDRF is pleased to support four new Canadian grants focused on improving mental health and wellness in people with T1D. These grants are each worth $1 million over […]

Mental Health and Diabetes – where JDRF is today

May 1, 2023

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, and this truth is beginning to be woven into a holistic approach to health care. JDRF has long […]

JDRF International Collaboration Leads to Next-Generation Cell Therapy Research

April 20, 2023

JDRF Canada and all JDRF affiliates are committed to supporting the development of cell replacement therapies that will one day offer cures for type 1 diabetes (T1D). T1D is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks and kills off the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. The first step in the cell replacement […]

Clinical Trials

April 14, 2023

In addition to funding critical type 1 diabetes (T1D) clinical trials, a key focus for JDRF is increasing awareness of and participation in trials. All new interventions, from drugs to devices to programs like mental health and peer support, must undergo clinical trials before they can be applied in everyday practice and benefit the people […]