Supporter stories

Type 1 diabetes does not discriminate.

It can strike anyone at any time. This is why we must be relentless in our focus in turning type 1 into type none.

Below you’ll find inspirational stories from our community members, as well as researchers and healthcare professionals on the frontline in the fight against T1D.

Meet the Olympic/Paralympic Coach Who’s Logged 300KMs to Defeat T1D
100 Years of Insulin

Meet the Olympic/Paralympic Coach Who’s Logged 300KMs to Defeat T1D

Shaun Caven is an internationally renowned Olympic and Paralympic coach who is currently training the Australian paracanoe team for Tokyo 2021. He is also the father of 8-year-old Liam who lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Shaun has recently been participating in JDRF’s Aqua Challenge to raise money for type 1 diabetes research and has […]

Banting, Best, Collip and Leonard Thompson: A 100-year-old recipe for a miracle
Research

Banting, Best, Collip and Leonard Thompson: A 100-year-old recipe for a miracle

Before 1921, a type 1 diabetes diagnosis was terminal. It spelt a death sentence with few effective treatments. 2022 marks 100 years since a few Canadian scientists successfully administered insulin to a human patient… but how did we get here? If you had T1D, you were likely put on one of many strict, fad diets. 1886 Bernhard Naunyn, one of the biggest […]

Talking T1D Research with Prof Tom Kay
Research

Talking T1D Research with Prof Tom Kay

Prof Tom Kay is Director of St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, and Principal Investigator of the recently launched BANDIT clinical trial. BANDIT is looking at a drug called baricitinib, currently used in rheumatoid arthritis, that has the potential to slow or stop the destruction of beta cells in people with newly diagnosed […]

Talking with T1D Researchers: Highlights from IDS 2020
Research

Talking with T1D Researchers: Highlights from IDS 2020

Every 18 months, the Immunology of Diabetes Society (IDS) Congress brings together the world’s brightest scientific minds to discuss the latest progress in understanding and treating T1D.     This year’s virtual congress took place over 4 days in October, and featured presentations and discussions from a number of JDRF-funded Australian researchers at the top of their […]

Credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs): the unsung heroes of T1D care
Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs): the unsung heroes of T1D care

There are many professionals who help you manage and care for your type 1 diabetes (T1D). From the time of diagnosis, you would have seen a variety of healthcare professionals for regular tests and examinations including endocrinologists, GPs, optometrists, podiatrists … the list goes on. We know that living with type 1 diabetes is overwhelming, […]

How Does a Clinical Trial Work?
Research

How Does a Clinical Trial Work?

Clinical trials are an essential part of T1D research. Before any new intervention – whether it’s a drug, device, or test – can be made available to the public, researchers need to gather evidence that it is safe and effective for people to use. A clinical trial is the gold standard way to do this. Running […]

How to Keep Your Spirits Up When Experiencing Diabetes Burnout
Living With Type 1 Diabetes

How to Keep Your Spirits Up When Experiencing Diabetes Burnout

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is like a ‘job’ and the day-to-day effort to manage can become hard and frustrating, especially when the results are not what you hoped for. Studies have shown that many people living with diabetes experience worries, fears and other negative feelings at some stage. When these feelings are prolonged it can […]

Spotlight on fundraisers Robyn and Greg King
Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Spotlight on fundraisers Robyn and Greg King

This National Diabetes Week, JDRF Australia is highlighting the stories of just some of the spectacular people in the T1D community and the unique experiences they’ve had while living with diabetes. This year, the focus is on highlighting the mental and emotional health impact of T1D.  Perth siblings Robyn King and her brother Greg had […]

Spotlight on advocate Lauryn Hope-Blyth
Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Spotlight on advocate Lauryn Hope-Blyth

JDRF Australia is highlighting the stories of just some of the spectacular people in the T1D community and the unique experiences they’ve had while living with diabetes. This year, the focus is on highlighting the mental and emotional impact of T1D.  “How did I get ‘D’ nobody knows why.  It makes me so sad and […]

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