Life with Type 1 Diabetes,
medical research and the search for a cure

Path to a Cure is kindly supported by Novo Nordisk

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Petition Sign our Petition: Support Research to Prevent Type 1 Diabetes

Over just two weeks, more than 600 JDRF supporters signed this petition to promote increased understanding and support for medical research into type 1 diabetes. The message to government, the public and corporate supporters was clear – there is a desperate need for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Education and prevention are the themes chosen for the year’s big day for diabetes – World Diabetes Day on November 14.

It is time to remind Australia that type 1 diabetes is not preventable – yet. There is no clearly identifiable cause of type 1 diabetes, so there is no known way to prevent it. However, research organisations like JDRF are a lot closer than ever, with human trials of a vaccine taking place right here in Australia.

There are known lifestyle factors associated with type 2 diabetes and the obesity epidemic dominates the media. Understandably, people with type 1 diabetes – which no amount of exercise will cure – are inclined to keep their condition quiet. This is a missed opportunity to educate the community about the differences.

The Inconvenient Truth about Type 1 Diabetes

  • Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, it is not caused by obesity or junk food
  • Insulin is not a cure, but without it those with type 1 diabetes would not survive
  • Investment in medical research by the community, government and businesses has delivered big improvements in health for people with type 1 diabetes
  • Research organisations like JDRF are making real progress towards preventing new cases of type 1 diabetes while also preventing health complications in those who already have the disease

Sign our petition to promote increased understanding and support for medical research into type 1 diabetes. Help our community, government and corporate supporters understand that we desperately need a cure.

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The petition has now closed.

22 Comments

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  • Geraldine Pack OAM
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 4:07 am

    We have been trying for over 30 years (as DYF, JDFA/JDRF) to overcome the Type 11 lifestyle attitude . Over these 30 + years we have asked DA to use general (not blaming) slogans for Diabetes Week like "We're fighting diabetes" – JDRF could then say "We're fighting Type 1 diabetes, the auto-immune disease" and add tother relevant messages. We need action NOW about Type 1.
    We also need free pumps for all people with Type 1 diabetes NOW.

  • Paul Poropat
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 7:08 am

    As I am a type-1 diabetic living with the condition for 47 years, I hope that there is a real desire to find a cure even though I appreciate the better management techniques that have made my life a little easier. I don't expect to find a cure in my lifetime but I wish for it to benefit the many newly diagnosed diabetics in the future.

  • Susan
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 8:06 am

    I agree Kerrie, our children are real heroes. My thoughts to you and your family in learning and dealing with this condition. All the best.

  • tony reyes
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 9:22 am

    We know (JDRF) is doing a great job finding the cure…..more power and good luck to your untiring work and research.

  • Wally Mulgrave
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 10:41 am

    A cure will come eventually we all must keep on hoping it will probably not come in my time as I have had Type 1 diabetes for 66 years but I am hopefull> So all type 1 diabetics do the right thing eat the right foods and you will all live a long life like I have and make sure you enjot yourself as well. Do as I do and don`t worry about having type 1 diabetes and you will live a long time like I have those that worry have problems those that don`t worry live a long life like any other person that does not have diabetes.
    From Wally Mulgrave

  • Helen
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 10:46 am

    What do you say to someone who turns around and says "At least you can do something about it"

  • Lee-anne Perth
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 11:39 am

    Helen it would be nice if we had as much hide as this person that made the comment. If only we could say please come and spend a week in my life. Let them wear the insulin pump, change the canulas 8 BG's a day or more. Also follow the exact same diet. They would be dead after 2 days. I put money on it. Unless you live it you have know idea. I remember a comment back when I was diagnosed at 11. My grandpa said they will have a cure soon. Don't worry or stress. I have now had it for 29 years. He know has Type 2 and thinks that is the worst thing. He has know idea.. Also I have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. We need a cure since living with the 2 my life has been hell. Thanks for reading. xx

  • kate
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 11:48 am

    Our 8 year old son was diagnosed type 1 on sept 4th of this year, i can feel what your going through just by reading your words. Keep going and i will follow too. We CAN be bigger than this disease Kerrie.
    Love Kate (Mum of Beautiful Ben)

  • kate
    Posted on 12th Nov, 2009 at 11:52 am

    thank you
    Katie (mum of newly diagnosed Ben age 8 years)

  • Jan Walker
    Posted on 13th Nov, 2009 at 3:12 am

    You are all very brave and I admire your tenacity. We will find a cure.We will never give up!!

  • Melanie Benbow
    Posted on 13th Nov, 2009 at 10:58 am

    You are all very courageous and I hope together we can work as a community to better combat this disease.

  • Katie Johnson
    Posted on 15th Nov, 2009 at 4:49 am

    I admire your positivity Wally, thank you. It's also nice to hear from someone who has lived with it for so long and still looks on the bright side!
    My daughter Rylee was diagnosed 3 years ago at the age of 9 months. She goes to school next year for the first time which opens up new concerns for me, but maybe it will just be okay.
    Thank you xx

  • Ruth Lent Wiebe
    Posted on 16th Nov, 2009 at 4:27 am

    I've been a juvenile diabetic for 39 years, and I have always been frustrated by the many misconceptions people have about it. I would sign your petition, but I live in the US. I wish we had more education about the difference between type 1 and 2 here also. Thanks for all the work you are doing to spread the word!

  • susan greentree
    Posted on 19th Nov, 2009 at 4:05 am

    A cure would be many diabetic childrens' dream. Keep on researching!

  • Bev
    Posted on 20th Nov, 2009 at 12:03 am

    I agree with both Kerrie Susan and Kate. My son Ben was diagnosed 3 days before last Christmas. Its hard to believe it hasnt been a year yet. He seems to have had sooo many injections it feels like years. All this without a word of complaint. They are definatly heroes. Bev

  • Tania
    Posted on 22nd Nov, 2009 at 6:03 am

    I would swap places in a split second with my son to take away everything he goes through. These children/adults are amazing. This is a great way for diabetes education to the public about the differences of type 1 and 2 to be known and understood. I sometimes get tired of explaining to people that my son couldn't have avoided this through a better lifestyle and diet. He is an outdoor, sports mad child who loves being active and always eats well. I DO however always point out the differences to people who don't know as it is important that they too understand and have an admiration for people with type 1 diabetes and the constant monitoring that is required. I believe there will be a cure one day and I hope that day is very soon. Imagine the tears of joy around the world.

  • Calandra
    Posted on 22nd Nov, 2009 at 10:18 am

    i have had diabetes for 14 years. i now know a two with it and it's really hard!!! i really hope that one we can prevent other kids doind what i and my little mate have to do!!!!!! this is a great idea, good luck!!

  • Vicki Orlandini
    Posted on 24th Nov, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    Hi Wally,

    Continuing to tell my son, aged 15, that Diabetes 1 is a condition, not an illness reflects your attitude and I truly believe it's true. Get on with stuff, be positive as the mind is a powerful tool if used to its full potential.

    Thanx for your words of encouragement.

    Vicki.

  • Tranquil72
    Posted on 10th Feb, 2010 at 11:39 am

    YES..a cure is what is needed…come on scientists it is the year 2010….These kids need not suffer any more than they are already…the complications are there whether or not they look after themsleves correctly and the government should be doing more in helping the kids…too! My daughter was diagnosed Sept '08 and she is 8 years old…she is a very lovely girl who copes so well and wants tog row up learning and teaching others about it and looking at being a researcher herself…! Good luck everyone!!

  • Romore
    Posted on 24th Jul, 2010 at 1:12 am

    Hope a cure can be found soon, it is a terrible disease

  • Kendall
    Posted on 19th Apr, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    Thanks Wally, your way of life is inspirational. It's taken me 4 years to adopt your method of no stress, the right foods and luckily I enjoy daily exercise. With a bit of luck it will all pay off for me in the long run.

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