After having T1D for over 25 years, Kathy would experience sudden low blood sugars without warning.  She had an islet cell transplant in 2008 and today she only takes a small supplemental dose of insulin each day.  She feels wonderful and no longer worries about sudden lows as she feels them well before they hit.  Her blood sugars are in very good control – closer to those of a person who doesn’t have T1D.

Sallie, a retired professional musician, was declared legally blind due to diabetic macular edema.  She enrolled in an SDP-funded DRCR.net clinical trial aimed at reversing the damage and restoring her vision.  This study resulted in the most significant breakthrough in 25 years for treating diabetic macular edema.  Today, thanks to her participation, Sallie’s vision is 20/20 and she is again able to read music.

Diagnosed with T1D at age 4, Kerry experienced the thrill of not having to worry about her diabetes for a few days when she participated in an artificial pancreas trial.  The artificial pancreas, which automatically controls blood sugar levels, has been tested in a hospital setting with great results.  The next step is further testing in patients at home so the technology can one day be available to all people with T1D.  The development of this technology would be the biggest breakthrough since the discovery of insulin.

Nilia had no family history of type 1 diabetes (T1D), but newborn screening, as part of a Special Diabetes Program (SDP) funded trial, found she is at risk for developing it.  She is participating in the trial until age 15 or T1D onset to help determine if diet, illnesses, or other exposures during her childhood are environmental triggers of T1D onset.  This critically important research could enable scientists to prevent T1D altogether.  Helping others along the way – SDP-related research underway today will not only continue to help prevent or delay the onset of complications in more than 26 million Americans with diabetes, it could also improve the lives of people living with autoimmune and other diseases.