JDRF - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

JDRF-funded researchers find that some people with type 1 diabetes have an abnormal immune response to wheat proteins.

Type 1 diabetes often co-occurs with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition caused by a over-reaction of the gut to wheat products. Previous research has shown that these conditions exhibit similar immune reactions and share a number of genetic origins.

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A move towards individualised insulin therapy targets

After extensive discussion in Australia and overseas, Australian diabetes health professionals have released a new position statement on blood sugar targets for people with type 1 diabetes. Following the results of the Diabetes Control and Complications trial, the ideal target of a HbA1c of 7% was set across the board.

Recent research has suggested that one size may not fit all and to address this, the Australian Diabetes Society now officially recommends that people with severe hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia unawareness should set their HbA1c targets at 8% or less.

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In a major breakthrough for stem cell science, scientists have converted umbilical cord blood cells into cells that act like embryonic stem cells.

For many years, the human umbilical cord has always been touted as potential source of cells to cure a number of conditions including type 1 diabetes, cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Whilst the umbilical cord contains a large number of stem cells, the cells have already progressed down the developmental pathway meaning their use has been very limited.

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Around 30,000 people across Australia joined together on Sunday 18 October to celebrate hope and progress towards a cure for type 1 diabetes at the Walk to Cure Diabetes.

The Walk to Cure Diabetes held every year by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and is now one of Australia’s largest and longest running charity fundraisers.

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