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JDRF Research Goals and Priority Areas
JDRF is committed to funding the most ambitious, promising research program in its 30-year quest for the cure for diabetes. Clinical trials are beginning. With your help, JDRF can continue to lead the way in curing diabetes, saving lives, and improving the quality of life for people who suffer with devastating complications. The following focus areas have been established based on the findings of JDRF's Research Task Force II, convened in March 2000:
Goal Area 1: Restoration of Normal Blood Sugar Levels
· Islet transplantation tolerance The Edmonton Protocol, announced in June 2000, uses a new approach to islet transplantation-more islets, less-toxic immunosuppressive drugs-to pave the way for even greater strides toward a cure. Due to JDRF's leadership in establishing the Immune Tolerance Network (ITN), a 10-center expanded human clinical trial of the Edmonton Protocol was launched in Fall 2000.
· Stem cell therapy JDRF has taken a leadership role in developing stem cell research. Human stem cells have the potential to provide a platform for creating a limitless supply of human beta cells to replace those destroyed in Type 1 diabetes.
· Cell therapy and beta cell development Growing beta cells is another promising frontier in the quest to achieve successful islet transplantation.
Goal Area 2: Avoidance and Reversal of Complications
· Vascular inflammation and complications JDRF-funded research on the impact of diabetes complications is focused on damage to the body's small blood vessels; and on the development and testing of several new molecules and drugs to treat complications.
· Hypoglycemia and non-invasive glucose sensing Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most important acute complication of insulin therapy and the major obstacle to achieving optimal control.
Goal Area 3: Prevention of Diabetes and its Recurrence
· Genetics/genomics of Type 1 diabetes The accomplishments of the Human Genome Project will greatly accelerate the identification of relevant genes that confer both susceptibility and resistance in the development of Type 1 diabetes. JDRF is funding a number of studies with the hope of achieving primary and secondary prevention.
· Preservation of beta cell mass Results of animal studies suggest that immune intervention can prevent Type 1 diabetes from occurring or even reverse the disease after its onset. JDRF is funding the testing of antibodies and other "tolerogenic" treatments.
Diabetes UK
Our Mission is
· To improve the lives of people with diabetes and to work towards a future without diabetes
Our Vision is
· To set people free from the restrictions of diabetes
The highest quality care and information for all
An end to discrimination and ignorance
Universal understanding of diabetes and of Diabetes UK
A world without diabetes
Our Values are
· To put the interests of people with diabetes first
· To be the best source of information on diabetes
· To work in partnership with all those affected by diabetes
· To help people to help themselves
· To be open, ethical, honest and accountable
· To recognise and respect the value and diversity of all
· To appreciate the skills, expertise and commitment of our staff and volunteers
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