If you would like more information about JDRF research, watch the videos of our 2011 Annual Meeting guest speaker, Senior Vice President of Research, Darlene C. Deecher, PhD.

JDRF research areas include:

• Beta Cell Therapies
• Immune Therapies
• Glucose Control
• Complication Therapies
• Artificial Pancreas Project

Click here to learn more.

Until there is a cure, we want to provide information that will help you cope with the burdens type 1 diabetes imposes, share with you the help that is available today, and keep you and your loved ones as strong and healthy as possible.

Education and Outreach Events - The NEO Chapter of JDRF hold support group meetings on the third Saturday of every other month (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, and Nov).  These groups offer an opportunity for newly diagnosed and their families to talk with other families and medical professionals on a variety of issues that arise when living with type 1 diabetes.  These groups meet at the JDRF office from 9:30 to 11 AM.

In addition to support group meetings, speaker series are held throughout the year.  These educational topics address significant issues impacting life with diabetes.  Speaker Series dates and topics are announced via eNewsletter and posted on the calendar of events.

Bag of Hope - JDRF offers a free public outreach program to help families who have recently had a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. 

For more information, please contact Rosie Mewhinney at 216-654-9320 or email: rmewhinney@jdrf.org.

Other Resources

Along with providing information and research updates, JDRF’s outreach program partners you and your child with another family who has been through a type 1 diagnosis.

To receive your bag of hope fill out the form below.

Aultman Hospital Teen Support Group
A Teen Support Group has started at Aultman Hospital on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Diabetes Education Center, Aultman Hospital Ground Level. This support group is open to any teen ages 12-17 with diabetes, with emphasis on type 1 diabetes.

My family and I are fairly new to the JDRF community. We’ve been through a lot on our way here. I decided to share our story of stress, hard work, and bravery on the part of our daughter. Our eight-year-old daughter, Amelie, was diagnosed on September 20th of last year, shortly after her 7th birthday. As is usually the case, the diagnosis was big shocker, but especially for my husband Shawn. Shawn has seen first hand the effects of juvenile diabetes on a child, since his now 43-year-old brother was diagnosed at a very young age himself.

As a family, we were doing alright, however, we had one big unforeseen obstacle. My daughter’s school did not have a nurse on staff, which meant that my husband and I had to go to the school for lunch every day to administer Amelie’s insulin. This is not something we could continue due to our work schedules. When third grade came around we found a new school that had a nurse on staff full-time, which apparently is not the norm these days. We are so grateful that the nurse is there because we can be at work comfortably knowing that she is well taken care of while at school.

Last year, Amelie switched from taking insulin shots to using the insulin pump. The first two months were very difficult but we eventually figured it out. Amelie says that she would never go back to shots because with the pump diabetes management has improved. Of course, it will never be perfect; only a cure can make things perfect again. There are nights when I still check her blood glucose levels several times because she has been unsure of her blood glucose level before bed previously. Any parent with a type 1 child knows that it’s hard to sleep if their child goes to bed struggling to control their blood glucose level. It is a constant struggle that requires complete vigilance from both the child and the parents.

We need Amelie’s cooperation or all our efforts to keep her healthy and strong will be for naught. Even at eight, Amelie understands this responsibility and checks her levels prior to every meal or snack. What a big responsibility for a child! As a mother, I sometimes forget what a burden type 1 diabetes is on a child. They’re forced to grow up very quickly.  In Amelie’s case, she was overwhelmed and some time into the illness she started to develop anxiety over low blood glucose levels. She started testing herself every five minutes, she was both nervous and exhausted. Amelie’s endocrinologist team was able to get her counseling to help her understand her body’s response to type 1 diabetes. Thanks to them, Amelie is much happier as she is able to manage her diabetes correctly and with a healthy attitude.

This last year all of us in the Szakacs family learned a lot about managing type 1 and how different people react in unique ways to the effects of the disease. Amelie’s three-year-old sister, Ales, sometimes says she feels low because she noticed that when Amelie says it, she will get a juice box, glucose tablet or another sugary treat. Ales figured if she says she is low, she might end up with something sweet too, funny, yet quite sad…

I do hope, like all parents of type 1 children, that a cure will be found in Amelie’s lifetime. Or if not a cure maybe an artificial pancreas. Thanks to JDRF, I know as the family of a Type I child, that we are not alone. I understand that my struggle, as a mother, is shared with many other mothers out there. It’s somehow comforting and it makes the burden easier to carry. The weight is being distributed among many shoulders and it really helps! This is not only true for mothers like me, but it is true for children like Amelie. She has learned that there are other children, just like her, who have the same challenges.

For the first time, my family and I will be participating in the JDRF Walk for Cure. Last year, we were in the hospital with Amelie right after her diagnosis. This time, not only will we be able to attend the walk, but we have her one year anniversary coming up. We will use that day to celebrate how far Amelie has come.

Sincerely,
Angelika Szakacs

If this story gets you pumped up to hit the road, check out the 2012 JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes.

The Ride Day is over - and JDRF’s work to find a cure continues. The ride went great.
9 hours, 104mi, 108degrees (but it was a DRY 108! ), and about 450oz of fluids going in.

300 + riders from age 13 to 83 raised $1,200,000+ for JDRF.
We contributed over $6000 towards that! It was priceless. Many thanks to you all for the support of JDRF.

Priceless! Who’s game for next year?
Paul

My 4 ½ year old son has had diabetes for the past year and a half and just recently got on the pump. I was wondering what would be the best way to protect his expensive new “pancreas”, while providing a comfortable fit for someone so small. While doing some research on the internet I came across a company, in Austin, Texas, by the name of Spybelt. I looked on their website and found a broad range of belts for adults as well as children. They carry single and double pocket belts that you can customize to carry a diabetes pump. I was especially excited to see that they carried double pocket belts because my son also wears a continuous glucose monitor. I contacted the company via phone and was able to talk with both the production manager who customized the belt and the lady from customer service who made sure my order was correct and sent in a timely manner. With so many decisions to make and the variety of options available, I found this company to provide an excellent product as well as service. I will definitely recommend their product to anyone who is looking for just the right fit for their young pump user.

JDRF_Research_Report_Dec_2011.pdf

Here’s how to get involved:

1) Register for the race!

• Register at http://www.clevelandmarathon.com/.  If you have yet to register for the race, please enter our promo code in the “charity code” section of the application form online to receive a discount on your registration fee. 

          Promo code:  2012JDRF – for the Marathon and Half-Marathon
                      JDRFTRACK - for the 10K and 5K

The registration fee increases as you move closer to Race Day (so register early).  Once you have registered, join Team JDRF - an online system that enables you to “run for a cause” or raise funds by participating in the race. 

2)  Join TEAM JDRF! 

• Click http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/event/clevelandmarathon/ and choose register.  Upon setting up a username and password, you’ll be given your own fundraising webpage which is the opportunity to raise funds for JDRF through Facebook and other social networks-or via letters if you would prefer.  By joining Team JDRF you are NOT tied to any fundraising minimum, NOR are you committed to a training program.  You are solely choosing to support JDRF and crucial type 1 diabetes research through collecting donations from your friends and family.

For questions or assistance through the process, please contact Heather Reed at 216-654-9319 or hreed@jdrf.org.

*NOTE:  you will need to register on both the Cleveland Marathon site and the Team JDRF site in order to register for the race AND raise funds for JDRF.  Registering on the Team JDRF site alone does NOT register you for the Cleveland Marathon. 

A way our Chapter can raise additional funds to benefit the Walk to Cure Diabetes is by securing local companies who are willing to sell the sneakers locally as a campaign to collect donations for the Northeast Ohio Chapter of JDRF.

This committee, with the support of the staff, will:
●  Select who we will target to sell sneakers. 
●  Set up five introductory meetings or more by June with potential sneaker sellers.
●  Secure one retailer commitment to selling our sneakers.
●  Thank the retailer who sells the sneakers post-campaign.

We are seeking members to join this new committee.  If you have asked retailers in the past to support your Walk team and enjoyed the success from a campaign, this committee needs your help! 

Member Expectations/Job Description:
●  Attend a one-hour introductory meeting and participate in committee meetings in person or via phone.
●  Attend a one-hour training session.
●  Contact companies via phone and email.
●  Identify decision-makers at retailers.
●  Be able to explain JDRF and the benefits of the sneaker sales program clearly to prospects (post-training).
●  Be able to ask a manager if they would like to participate in the program.
●  Thank the manager or cashiers for their time/for participating in our campaign.

Joining this committee will be a rewarding and fun way to help JDRF!
JOIN HERE!

Eat Healthy

• Moderation is key. Denying yourself sweets during the holidays will only tempt you more. Instead, take one
cookie or a small slice of pie to keep you satisfied. • Don’t graze at the buffet table. Take a small plate of food
when you want to eat something and then walk away. Come back only if you’re still hungry.
• Keep water or diet soda with you to keep you hydrated and full.
• At parties, eat in phases. First fill your plate with fruits, veggies, and lean meats. Then go for the crackers and
starches. Last, take your pick of one dessert (not one of each!).
• If you overeat at one meal, get back on track at your next meal with healthier fare, like fruits, veggies and whole
grains.
• Remember that most holiday drinks, like beers, mixers, or eggnog, can have a lot of sugar, which will raise your
blood sugar and expand the waistline. Balance things out by drinking water (add flavor packs for some kick if you
don’t like plain water) or a diet soda.
• Don’t make all your holiday gatherings about food. Take a look at your newspaper’s calendar to see what kind of
fun, festive local events like caroling, concerts, or holiday plays are happening.
Protect Your Immune System
• Most people don’t eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables, so include a daily multivitamin to give your
body the nutrients it needs.
• Dress warmly. Wearing layers of clothing as well as gloves, scarves, and earmuffs will protect you from the
winter chills.
• Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and protect cells. Foods rich in antioxidants and important
nutrients include yogurt, broccoli, garlic, red bell peppers, and green tea. • Sleep! Getting the recommended
seven to eight hours of shut-eye is critical in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Stay Active

• In a yearlong study of 550 men and women, researchers from the University of South Carolina found that people
who exercised moderately by walking briskly were 25 percent less likely to develop a cold than those who didn’t
exercise.
• Regular, moderate-intensity exercise helps strengthen your body and your immune system.
• Exercise also boosts your mood! Take the edge off the stress of the holidays or dull weather with a brisk walk
around the neighborhood.
• Don’t overdo the exercise. It can actually weaken your immune system. The Cleveland Clinic recommends 20 to
30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week.
• Spend your lunch hour walking around the block. The weather is likely to be the warmest at this time of day.
• Find a friend to exercise with, whether it’s walking around the neighborhood or heading to the gym.
• Take an exercise class like dance, kickboxing, yoga, or spinning. It keeps things interesting so you don’t get
bored!
• Bring your workout clothes when you travel on vacation. Most hotels have gyms or a pool that you can use in
the mornings before your day begins.

The firehouse tour was amazing! My great nephew, Austin, truly enjoyed himself at this event. When we arrived, there firefighters waiting to greet us. After introductions, eight firefighters took the time to talk with Austin and show him everything in and on their trucks. Austin was allowed to go up on the ladder attached to the fire truck while accompanied by real firefighters.

While we were there, the station got a call, so everything had to be packed up, and off the firefighters went. Immediately, as our hosts left, we were greeted by the rescue squad who continued the tour from where the firefighters left off. The rescue squad explained and demonstrated their job duties. Austin was allowed to try-on a full set of firefighter gear and he got to “play” with some of their equipment. A firefighter, who was a chef before joining the department, came in on his day off to prepare an excellent lunch for all of us. We ate together and enjoyed frienldy conversation. Afterward, they even let Austin in the fire department’s kitchen to help wash the dishes!

When we returned home, Austin recounted every detail of the event to his parents about his day and what the firefighters let him do. It was truly a wonderful event and something Austin will always remember.
I just want to say thank you to JDRF for setting this up and thank you to The Cleveland Fire Department for being such gracious and caring hosts!

Washington, D.C. – The JDRF today said it is encouraged that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a draft guidance which appears to lay a foundation for accelerating the development and availability of artificial pancreas technology (AP) that will improve the lives of millions of Americans living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

“Our initial review of the draft AP guidance indicates that the FDA has been responsive and listened to the recommendations of leading clinicians and researchers in the type 1 diabetes field,” said Jeffrey Brewer, President and CEO of JDRF.  “It also appears that the draft guidance lays out a rapid timetable to move from inpatient trials to outpatient trials to prove the AP’s safety and efficacy, and if that turns out to be the case it is good news.”

Artificial pancreas technologies have the potential to be the most revolutionary advance in treating T1D since the discovery of insulin.  They will allow the millions of Americans with T1D to maintain tighter control of blood glucose levels, thus significantly reducing the risk of both high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which can cause long-term complications including heart disease, blindness and stroke, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be life-threatening.  It would also free them from much of the daily burden of managing the disease.

In 2006, the FDA added artificial pancreas technology to its Critical Path list, making a commitment to advance these systems. The draft guidance is the first step to getting the technology to those in dire need.

“To be sure, we have a ways to go before AP technologies are available to patients but this draft guidance suggests that Commissioner Hamburg and the FDA are committed to fostering innovation and being a global leader in bringing life-saving technologies for T1D patients to the U.S market,” said Brewer.  “In the next few weeks, we will review the draft guidance in detail and provide detailed comments to the FDA so that the final guidance unmistakably lays out the pathway to put AP technologies in patient’s hands as soon as possible.  In the end, that is what this is all about.”

About the Artificial Pancreas

The artificial pancreas (AP) is an external device which people with T1D could use to do what their bodies cannot—control both high and low blood sugar around the clock. It works by combining a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump with sophisticated computer software to provide automatically the right amount of insulin at the right time.

One of JDRF’s top priorities is the development of the AP.  JDRF-funded studies have shown greatly improved clinical outcomes from early trials of prototype AP systems.  FDA’s guidance on artificial pancreas systems will allow for these systems to be further developed, tested in outpatient pivotal trials, and eventually approved for people with T1D.

An overwhelming amount of support from researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and patients called on the FDA to advance the development of an AP.  Over 100,000 people in the diabetes community signed JDRF’s petition which urged the FDA to adopt clear guidance, and leading clinical organizations specializing in diabetes care urged the FDA to ensure that the development of an artificial pancreas is not delayed by unnecessary regulatory roadblocks. Furthermore, Congress demonstrated vast support for a reasonable and timely guidance from FDA, with 252 Representatives and 62 Senators having urged the FDA to act in the best interest of type 1 diabetes patients. 

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF is to improve the lives of every person affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal. Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.5 billion to T1D research. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. Past JDRF research efforts have helped to significantly improve the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered.