Lauren, please give us an overview of the Greater New England Chapter of Breakthrough T1D, which you head.

Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, is the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization. We help make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.

What progress has been made in the last decade or so in treatment of T1D?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that causes the pancreas to make little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications. Once viewed as a condition that could only be diagnosed in childhood, we now know that T1D can develop at any age, regardless of family history.

Breakthrough T1D has been at the forefront of funding research that has led to remarkable innovations, helping to alleviate some of the burdens associated with the disease. Among the most significant strides are the development of artificial pancreas systems (APS), advanced continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and more refined insulin formulations, all of which have made blood sugar management easier and more precise.

The advent of APS stands out as a true game-changer. By harnessing real-time CGM data, these systems can automatically adjust insulin delivery. This automated regulation has significantly reduced the risk of dangerous highs and lows, making it a breakthrough in T1D care. Yet, despite these advancements, the daily burden of T1D remains.

Another breakthrough in the last decade driven by Breakthrough T1D-funded research is the ability to detect T1D in its earliest stages, before symptoms appear and insulin is required. Through a simple blood test, we can identify the presence of specific autoantibodies that signal that the immune system has been activated and is attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Early detection of T1D through screening can help reduce the risk of life-threatening complications at diagnosis and allow people time to access a therapy that can delay onset by an average of two years, participate in crucial T1D clinical trials, and prepare for future medical needs.

Breakthrough T1D was also instrumental in the development Tzield, the first disease-modifying therapy that can delay the clinical onset of T1D. Tzield was approved by the FDA in the fall of 2022.

What advances must still be made?

T1D is a complex autoimmune disease. While our understanding of the disease has advanced significantly, we are still diligently working on the path to better treatments, new therapies, and ultimately, cures for T1D. This requires ongoing research and innovation as well as broad collaboration and significant funding.

Breakthrough T1D works with the brightest researchers, government, medical experts and companies in the industry to secure critical funding, enact favorable policies, drive innovation forward, and advocate for coverage, affordability, and choice.

Are you optimistic there eventually will be a cure?

Driven by a deep belief that cures for T1D are within reach, Breakthrough T1D is working to make T1D cures a reality.

Curing and preventing T1D will require disease-modifying and cell therapies that disrupt or reset the immune system’s attack on insulin-producing beta cells. On November 14, World Diabetes Day, we announced the launch of Project ACT (Accelerate Cell Therapies), a flagship initiative to dramatically advance breakthroughs in T1D cell therapies and accelerate cures.

Project ACT is poised to achieve the next step toward cures through stem cell-based islet cell therapies, enabling people with T1D to produce their own insulin again, without the need for broad immunosuppression. Unlike insulin therapy, which saves lives but does not impact the progression of T1D or prevent complications, cell therapies aim to replace insulin-producing cells, stop the immune attack on these cells, and keep them healthy. Significant advances in technology mean that these cell therapies are now within reach, and we know that they can be effective.

We know that cell therapies will allow us to walk away from T1D. Project ACT is the roadmap for getting there sooner.

What about the economic and other disparities that exist with the disease?

One of the greatest challenges facing people with T1D today is access to affordable insulin and the essential supplies needed for daily management. We believe that insulin should be accessible to all individuals with T1D at a low, predictable out-of-pocket cost, regardless of their insurance status. While there has been recent progress to reduce prices, more must be done. Breakthrough T1D continues to advocate for actions and policies that will have a positive impact on those with T1D and lower the cost of insulin.

And finally, please tell our audience about the work that the Greater New England chapter of Breakthrough T1D.

The Greater New England Chapter of Breakthrough T1D serves individuals and families in Maine, eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Our chapter has been at the center of some truly inspiring events that bring the community together and raise crucial support for T1D research and advocacy.

One of the most notable events was the TypeOneNation Summit Boston, held on March 23 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. This powerful, free, one-day gathering united individuals living with T1D, researchers, and healthcare professionals with the shared goal of advancing knowledge and strengthening the T1D community. It was a day filled with learning, connection, and hope for the future of diabetes care. In 2025, the chapter will be hosting three Community Summits.

  • Boston: Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place
  • Providence: Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
  • Manchester: Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)

The Breakthrough T1D Walks in Boston; Portland, Maine; Manchester, NH; and Johnston, RI were other standout events. These energizing days saw supporters of all ages come together to walk in solidarity, raising vital funds for T1D research and advocacy. More than just a fundraiser, the Walks were a celebration of hope and determination, as families, friends, colleagues, and volunteers took steps together toward a brighter future for those affected by T1D.

Then, there was the Boston Marathon, where Breakthrough T1D encouraged athletes to run with purpose as part of Team Breakthrough T1D. These dedicated runners weren’t just racing for themselves—they were racing for a cure. Their participation helped raise both awareness and essential funds, all while showcasing the resilience and spirit of the T1D community.

The annual Boston Gala was an unforgettable evening that brought together philanthropists, advocates, and experts in support of the cause. With live auctions, inspiring speeches, and special guest appearances, the Gala raised critical funds for research and served as a powerful reminder of why the fight for a cure is so urgent and personal. Finally, our Rhode Island golf classic was a great day of golf, course games, silent auction, and Fund A Cure, all in support of our mission.

Through these events, the Greater New England Chapter of Breakthrough T1D continues to make a lasting impact, uniting people in the fight against T1D and advancing the mission to improve lives and fund groundbreaking research.

Additionally, Breakthrough T1D supports people living with or caring for someone with T1D at all stages. As examples, we offer care kits for those who are newly diagnosed (Bag of Hope: www.breakthrought1d.org/support-children/bag-of-hope; T1D Teen Pack: www.breakthrought1d.org/support-teens/teen-pack; and Adult Pack: www.breakthrought1d.org/support-adults/adult-pack) and our chapter hosts virtual Chats from Home (www.breakthrought1d.org/greaternewengland/p/chats-from-home).

As a chapter, we’re here for the entire T1D community and encourage all to join our movement. To learn more, visit www.breakthrought1d.org/greaternewengland.