Researchers from the Australian National University have identified heparan sulfate (HS) as being essential for beta cell survival. Whilst this compound is known to be involved in a number of other biological activities, this is the first time it has been implicated in the development of type 1 diabetes.

The study suggests that levels of HS in insulin-producing beta cells are depleted as a result of the autoimmune attack that causes type 1 diabetes. When levels are reduced, the cells are defenceless against damage from common byproducts of metabolism and die. The study went on to demonstrate that replacing HS, or treating the beta cells to preserve HS levels, protected against development of type 1 diabetes.

These findings have not only identified HS as a potential new therapeutic target for the prevention of type 1 diabetes onset, it has also opened up the possibility of HS levels being used as a marker of disease onset and as a method of protecting islet cells that have been isolated and transplanted.

Whilst the initial research was conducted in mice, JDRF has provided further funding to provide proof of concept in humans.

J Clin Invest. 2012;122(1):132–141. doi:10.1172/JCI46177.

The trial is looking for more volunteers to reach their goal of 12,000! To participate in the initial screening test, you will need to be aged between 4 – 30 years with a relative with type 1 diabetes. This first step will be a free blood test for antibodies that may indicate a future risk of getting type 1 diabetes.

For more information about participating in this trial and to help research towards a type 1 diabetes vaccine, please visit the newly relaunched website: www.stopdiabetes.com.au.

The new website features profiles of some of the trial participants, and explains how their regular participation contributes towards the search for type 1 prevention. You can also connect with the trial on Facebook and Twitter.

JDRF is committed to improving the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes, and ultimately curing the disease. We encourage our community to support this trial and register your interest!

For the first time ever in parallel experiments in both France and Italy, two participants with type 1 diabetes were able to control their diabetes using an artificial pancreas system in a real-life setting. Participants spent a night at a hotel and eating at a restaurant while using the device, and attained near-normal glucose levels. The research team used approved insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, which were controlled by a hand-held device and monitored by the investigators to ensure safety.

These were the first outpatient trials using an approach developed by the JDRF-supported International Artificial Pancreas Study Group, an international research group. Previous trials have all been conducted in an in-patient setting. Eight more patients enrolled in the trial will begin outpatient testing in coming weeks.

The advancement of an artificial pancreas is a priority for the t1d community. People with t1d constantly have to determine the right amount of insulin to dose at the right time, multiple times a day. Yet even with diligent monitoring, a portion of the day can still be spent with high or low blood sugar, placing them at risk.

Low Glucose Suspend Technology approved in United States

In-home trials of low glucose suspend technology have been approved for the first time in the U.S. An LGS system is a version of an insulin pump which suspends insulin delivery when a monitor indicates a person with diabetes has or is projected to have low glucose levels.

These systems are the first step toward an artificial pancreas, a device that could transform the lives of individuals with t1d. By automating detection of blood sugar levels and delivery of insulin in response to those levels, an artificial pancreas has the potential to transform the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.

JDRF Australia CEO Mike Wilson says these steps towards using an artificial pancreas in a real-life setting are encouraging.

“This technology has great potential to improve the lives of the t1d community, but it will only be successful if it can be used as people go about their daily lives. These two developments are a big step forward in achieving that goal”.

The study out of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth, found that rates of severe hypoglycaemia in children with Type 1 diabetes declined two thirds between 2000 and 2009.

The study also showed that glycaemic control stayed the same in that time, with the link between glycaemia and risk of hypos growing weaker. There was also no longer an increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia in children under six years old.

The study authors said that the reduction “may have resulted from changes in clinical practice”, including recent developments in new insulin regimes and improved monitoring and management.

JDRF CEO Mike Wilson says “This study demonstrates real results of JDRF’s constant promotion of improved monitoring regimes, and reminds us how important good management is”.

Diabetes Care 2011; doi: 10.2337/dc11-0748

The Awards recognise two outstanding researchers in type 1 diabetes with the publication or patent demonstrating the highest innovation, impact and importance in the 2010 calendar year.

Winner – Established Researcher – Dr David O’Neal
Winner – Early Career Researcher – Helen Thomas PhD

JDRF CEO Mike Wilson congratulated to the two researchers. “The term innovation is used often, but it is the holy grail of medical research. The JDRF Macquarie Group Foundation Diabetes Research Innovation Awards awards are significant because they recognise impact as well as innovation.”

“The work of these researchers is not just new, it has demonstrable potential to change the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.”

Dr David O’Neal is Senior Lecturer, Department of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. His work helps to empower people with type 1 diabetes who are using the latest diabetes management technology to make the best decisions with the information produced by continuous glucose monitors.

“We wanted to deliver an educational algorithm that would be a tool to help people to respond in the best way to glucose information – both immediately and retrospectively.”

Helen Thomas PhD is a NHMRC Career Development Fellow at St Vincent’s Institute in Melbourne. Her work was a breakthrough in the understanding of how insulin producing cells – known as beta cells – live and die. The goal is finding ways to protect these cells, primarily for people who have just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, as well as those who have received transplants of insulin producing cells.

“Understanding how beta cells are killed in type 1 diabetes is very important if we are to stop the immune system response that leads to their death. Importantly, the molecules identified in this work have unique structure and function making the design of drugs for their inhibition possible.”

The winners of each Award receive a personal award and a cash prize of $5,000 to be used for the advancement of their research career in the field of type 1 diabetes.

The Diabetes Innovation Awards are supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation through its pioneering, long term partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

This Report aims to capture the spirit of hope for a cure for type 1 diabetes as well as the full range of JDRF’s activities.

A huge thank you to the many people who made important contributions.

In particular, JDRF sends special thanks to the five families who were highlighted this year because their stories illustrated how JDRF’s mission comes to life: the Goedhardts, the Jeffrees, the McIntyres, the Appletons and the Harrigans.

If you have any questions about this report or you would like to request a hard copy, please contact JDRF on 02 9966 0400.

Type 1 diabetes is the leading form of diabetes amongst young people of European origin and results from the multi-centre EURODIAB study have shown that incidence is set to increase dramatically over the next ten years.

By analyzing past European data from 1989 – 2003, study researchers found that the overall increase of type 1 diabetes incidence was 3.9% each year. When the data was broken down into age groups, the largest increase could be seen in the 0-5yr age group, with an annual increase of 5.4%.

If these trends continue, researchers estimate that the number of children aged 15yrs and under living with type 1 diabetes will go from the 94,000 in 2005 to an estimated 160,000 new cases in 2020 – a 70% overall increase.

In Australia, the incidence of type 1 diabetes in young people is also increasing, with recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Figures suggesting there has been a 3% increase in incidence annually.

According to the study authors, the most worrying aspect of this data is that the changes over time cannot be caused by genetic factors and are most likely reflective of harmful environmental circumstances. The authors of this study suggest that modern lifestyle habits play a role, with contributory factors such as increased height and weight of both children and gestating mothers.

The authors conclude by warning that these increases will result in significantly higher social and health costs as these young people may develop diabetic complications at a younger age. They also emphasise the importance of research into the causes of type 1 diabetes as well as the development of ways to better predict and prevent disease onset.

Studies such as the JDRF-funded TEDDY (The Environmental Determinants of Type 1 Diabetes in the Young) Study are investigating environmental triggers of type 1 diabetes, and aim to provide conclusive results on what can pre-dispose – or protect – young people from developing type 1 diabetes.

The Lancet published online 28th May 2009

Matthew was recognised by his employer Macquarie Group in its annual Macquarie Staff Community Awards program, which acknowledges the outstanding community contributions of its staff, as well as the organisations they serve.

The Fundraiser of the Year Award is given to an individual for their innovative and successful fundraising efforts for not-for-profits.

Last year, Matthew organised 60 Macquarie Staff members to participate in the inaugural Spin to Cure Diabetes, raising over $60,000. He has also participated in the Ride to Cure Diabetes since 2005, an event that in 2009 raised $1.3 million in total – $260,000 of that by Macquarie Group.

He also took part in events to raise money for the Smith Family and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The Macquarie Group Foundation matched Matthew’s funds raised for all initiatives.

JDRF CEO, Mike Wilson is very grateful for Matthew’s time and commends his tireless dedication.

“For four years now, I have seen Matthew’s incredible effectiveness in generating support and interest for our cause through a range of large and professional fundraising events such as the Ride and Spin to Cure Diabetes. It has been very valuable to have Matthew as a strong advocate inside Macquarie and we are grateful for his ongoing support of JDRF,” Mike Wilson said.

The $10,000 donated by Matt to JDRF will go towards Australia’s best and most promising type 1 diabetes research, complementing the support already provided by the Macquarie Group Foundation and Macquarie staff around the country.

Julie White, Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation, said the Foundation places great importance on supporting the community efforts of its staff.

“The contribution of Macquarie Group staff – as volunteers, fundraisers, board members of not-for-profit organisations and pro bono service providers – continues to grow from strength to strength, significantly enhancing Macquarie’s overall community effort.

“We are very proud of this year’s record number nominees for the Macquarie Staff Community Awards and I would like to congratulate Matthew on his efforts and the contribution he has made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.”