by Kristin Schaaf

Created on: May 21, 2010

When you or someone you know is diagnosed with diabetes, the unknown can be scary. Knowing what resources are available to you and what you can do to make a difference to fight this disease is exactly what the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) stands for.

Diabetes is what occurs when your body has problems regulating blood sugar levels. There are two major types: Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a disorder of the immune system and pancreas, which inhibits your body from producing insulin. Those with juvenile diabetes therefore must take insulin in order to survive. In 1970, several parents of children with juvenile diabetes came together for a cure, forming the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

As its name states, JDRF provides research for a cure and resources for those with juvenile diabetes. One of the main events JDRF is known for is the Walk for the Cure. There are Walks in every state, bringing people together from the community to participate in this great, healthy activity for diabetes research. All of the money raised for the event goes towards finding a cure for diabetes.

JDRF raises awareness of the need for federal funding for research through two key campaigns: Promise to Remember Me and Children’s Congress. The Promise Campaign is held in even-numbered years, and its purpose is to hold as many face-to-face meetings as possible between U.S. Representatives and Senators and JDRF advocates. The Children’s Congress is held in odd-numbered years, and its purpose is to enable more than 150 children with juvenile diabetes and their families to bring their message to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. Each year, JDRF makes sure the voices of advocates and children directly impacted by this disease are heard loud and clear.

Beyond sponsoring events and raising awareness, JDRF continually makes excellent strides in research and treatment for people with juvenile diabetes.  Their latest cutting-edge research has enabled JDRF to develop the Artificial Pancreas Project. This system would give a person with Type 1 diabetes an artificial pancreas, which would automatically pump insulin into the body based on changes in blood sugar levels.

According to the JDRF website, the purpose of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is constant and tireless:

“JDRF's mission has been constant since it was founded four decades ago: to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Until a cure is found, JDRF is also committed to working tirelessly to develop new and better treatments to improve the lives of people who have Type 1 diabetes and keep them as healthy as possible.”

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