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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xxxxxxxx, Victoria Point, Qld, Australia
Melissa Sparkes, Valentine, NSW, Australia
My daughter and husband have recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, only three weeks apart from one another. I would love them to be able to go through life without having to count carbs, finger prick and worry about giving themselves the right amount of insulin for the rest of their lives. Lets fined a cure!
Sam Jones, Bundaberg, Qld, 4670
K Mckaye, , SA, Australia
Our schools need to be more educated about Type 1 and how it affects our children especially during the teenage years.
Dana Quirk, Perth, WA, Australia
xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx, Bunbury, WA, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Kyogle, NSW, Australia
Let,s make that 5 year cure time frame (or hopefully less) a reality!
Brad Pettersson, ALBANY, WA, AUSTRALIA
Neil Deed, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
More money spent on research for a cure of Type 1 Diabetes is essential to be successful, in the meantime less invasive ways of monitoring blood glucose and administration of Insulin would improve quality of life
Angela Deed, Melbourne, Vic , Australia
If we could get a politician to spend a day with a Type 1 Diabetic, I am sure funding for research would increase!
tania hoult, hervey bay, qld, australia
Steve Jackson, Lilydale, Victoria, Australia
Jodie Hicks, Richmond, NSW, Australia
LOUISE CLARK, DOVER GARDENS, S.A., AUSTRALIA
Greg Elkenhans, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Anne Rhodes, Mandurah, WA, Australia
yuri setnik, Rosebud, Vic, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Cheltenham, VIC, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Gosnells , West Aust, Aust
c scoby smith, bunbury, western australia, australia
Rosalie Mortimore, Gosnells, ,
Lisa Kooyman, Bunbury, wa, Australia
Liz Smith, Dalyellup, W.A., Australia
Lynda Young, Gelorup, WA, Australia
Wendy Breeze, Geraldton, WA, Australia
bilinda breeze, Perth, WA, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Leanne hobbs Turner, Bunbury, WA, Aust
Pam Stubbs, Perth, WA, Australia
Research into the causes for onset of Type 1 diabetes needs more funding from Government agencies and the business community. Research scientists must have on-going funding to provide long term support for further investigation of the successful leads that have been found so far.
Ruth Birt, Mandurah, W.A., Australia
Theresa Cain, Gelorup, WA, Australia
anne heldt, bunbury, wa, australia
xxxxxxxx, Bunbury, WA, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Flemington, Victoria, Australia
Vanessa Parker, Eaton, WA, Australia
Fritz Schoultz, Bunbury, WA, Australia
Vanessa Davies, Dalyellup, WA, Australia
Ben Lagana, Dalyellup, WA, Australia
Mandy Ellery, Bunbury, WA, Australia
Luke Gray, Bunbury, WA, Australia
Trevor Ayers, Bunbury, WA, Australia
As current lifestyles result in more people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Juvenile Diabetes is becoming more an more marginalised. I would like to think that children being diagnosed now will see a cure in the first half of their lives.
xxxxxxxx, Bunbury, WA, Australia
My daughter has type 1 diabetes and this has impacted on her life in many ways.
S J Eastman, Nelson, , New Zealand
I've been Type 1 for 23 years, my brother for 29 years, and we've participated in any of the genetic studies that we could. I'm signing this to support MORE FUNDING for research into Type 1 Diabetes,
Gail Ellison, Waitakere, Auckland, New Zealand
Diagnosed at age 7yrs I have lived 53 years with Type 1 and am STILL waiting for "the cure" that was promised to me within 5 yrs. of diagnosis
Donna Heathcote, Paraparaumu, , New Zealand
It is short sighted of the government not to put money into a cure when the cost of the complications is so much higher.
Kathy Scott, Palmerston North, , New Zealand
Have lived with type 1 diabetes for 35 years. It is high time for the 'blame' culture around T1 diabetes to be put to rest. There has been great changes in the 35 years in regards to insulin delivery, new insulins, better understanding in control, but we seem further away from a cure than ever.
Steven Lakey, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Helen Geare, Dalyellup, W.A., Australia
peter hutchinson, perth, wa, Australia
have 8 year old grandson with type 1 diabetes
xxxxxxxx, Wattle Grove, WA , Australia
My husband doesnt have type one but does have type 2 insullin dependant
geraldine, tanilba bay, nsw, australia
insulin dependant diabetic
Jenean Halket, Gelorup, WA, Australia
Nicole Havelberg, Dalyellup, WA, Australia
Cathy Worthington, Dalyellup, WA, Australia
Cara Scoby-Smith, Australind, WA, Australia
Please support our kids and fund more research into a cure......
xxxxxxxx, Perth, WA, Australia
Liane Molewyk, Dalyellup, WA, Australia
Kellie Buckley, Bunbury, WA, Australia
xxxxxxxx, BRISBANE, QLD, AUSTRALIA
Support research for T1. Anything to help us get closer to a cure is really needed by thousands of Australians.
Liz Ayers, Gelorup, WA, Australia
Ignorance about type 1 drives me nuts! My family and I would LOVE for a cure to happen within my lifetime. I was diagnosed in 1983 and was told a cure was probable within the next 5 to 10 years. 27 years later it hasn't happened .... YET!
Sarah Solomon, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Valinda Maxwell, Manjimup, WA, Australia
Research! Research! Research! Lets find TYPE 1 diabetes a cure.
Shannon Flynn, Manjimup, wa, Australia
wendy scott, bunbury, wa, australia
please wake up more research money funding needs to be given to TYPE 1 Diabetes
Kathy Gwatking, Adelaide, Sa, Australia
Type 2 diabetres gets more coverage on the news than Type 1, type 2 gets moresupport and money than Type 1 .... when is it everyones turn that has type 1 to get the same amountof support that type 2sufferers get? I have bene diabetic for 31 years (diagnosed at 6) .... one can only hope i see support before i too become a victim of the problems associated with diabetes
Tina Roberts, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
My husband has had Type 1 diabetes since he was 7 years of age - he is now 35. We have 2 girls aged 2 and 4. It is always in the back of your mind that they too could develop Type 1 diabetes. We need more research into Type 1 diabetes, and those with it need more support for themselves and their families.
Martina Baranowski, Bossley Park, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Being a Type 1 diabetic for 28 years, I have a very clear understanding of the challenges that this condition brings. A cure and/or prevention is the key to alleviating the suffering that so many of us go through.
xxxxxxxx, perth, western australia, Australia
I am a 14 year old girl with diabetes. Please support me and those living with the disease and help find a cure. I know myself, how hard it is and wouldnt want anyone to go through the experiences i have if we can help it.
Sharon Slater, Esperance, WA, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Medowie, NSW, Australia
Natalie Boeckx, Muswellbrook, NSW, Australia
Until you have a loved one diagnosed you have no idea about diabetes. Please support our children and lets find a cure before they are adults, let them once again enjoy their childhood.
xxxxxxxx, Hopperscrossing, Vic, Australia
xxxxxxxx, brisbane, qld, aust
Please support our children who are being put through great pain and anxiety every day.
Lynnelle Jefferies, Nhill, Vic, Australia
My son was 22months old when he was diagnosed... it is now almost 3 years since that diagnosis. Twice now in that time he has been unable to see during a hypo. I hope there is a cure really soon so my that my boy & all other Type 1 diabetes sufferers don't suffer the long term effects such as limb problems/amputatuion, kidney problems, eye problems, sexual dysfunction... the list goes on!!! It is so hard to stay strong for them sometimes when they are crying & begging not to have their needles every day or waking them up in the middle of the night to force them to eat due to a hypo when all they want to do is go back to sleep!!! Too much focus is on Type 2 diabetes, lets find a cure for Type 1 !!!
Stuart Hamilton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Mary Hamilton, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Smithfield, QLD, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
xxxxxxxx, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Susan Brown, Murchison, vic, Australia






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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.
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.
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.
We know (JDRF) is doing a great job finding the cure…..more power and good luck to your untiring work and research.
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
What do you say to someone who turns around and says "At least you can do something about it"
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
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)
thank you
Katie (mum of newly diagnosed Ben age 8 years)
You are all very brave and I admire your tenacity. We will find a cure.We will never give up!!
You are all very courageous and I hope together we can work as a community to better combat this disease.
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
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!
A cure would be many diabetic childrens' dream. Keep on researching!
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
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.
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!!
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.
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!!
Hope a cure can be found soon, it is a terrible disease