The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or JDRF is dedicated to supporting patients with Type 1 or juvenile onset diabetes and their families. The foundation also promotes research toward eliminating the disease and advocates for legislative support for patients and families. Since its inception, JDRF has contributed $2 billion in research funding toward the disease.

Research

Through its fundraising activities, JDRF helps to pay for life-saving research into the causes and prevention of juvenile diabetes, as well as daily management of its symptoms. The organization is currently involved in several different research fronts, including the artificial pancreas and beta cell replacement.

The artificial pancreas is a new medical device that provides blood sugar control 24 hours a day. Monitoring blood sugar levels, the device provides the patient with a targeted amount of insulin and other hormones to stabilize the patient. This device has the potential to greatly simplify the lives of Type 1 diabetics.

With beta cell replacement, patients may be able to stabilize their condition for months at a time. The small implant delivers insulin-producing cells directly into the bloodstream. When approved, this implant will revolutionalize diabetes treatment.

Advocacy

JDRF is an important voice for patients and their families, encouraging lawmakers to consider the needs of Type 1 diabetics when making health care and financial decisions. JDRF is also involved in securing research funding through government programs. The organization has also been a strong supporter of protections for pre-existing conditions, benefiting not just Type 1 diabetes sufferers, but patients with all chronic diseases.

Recently, their Coverage2Control program has successfully persuaded some of the largest insurance companies to cover the artificial pancreas system. The JDRF also supported the coverage of insulin replacement systems through Medicare.

Family Support

JDRF is involved in providing day-to-day support for patients and their doctors. The JDRF web site features a wealth of health care information for child and adult patients with the condition. The web site provides one-on-one support for patients as well as hosting online support groups. The web site also has a section focused on the day-to-day care of the disease, including symptoms and treatments.

Leadership for the Community

Combining research, advocacy, and patient support, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is an invaluable part of the medical community. Its research promotes better living for patients with the condition.