T1DType 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that affects the pancreas. The body's own immune system attacks the beta cells that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar, without it our bodies are not able to get energy from the food we eat and sugar remains in the blood stream. People with T1D have to give themselves insulin everyday using an insulin pump or needles in order to stay alive. They also have to constantly manage their blood sugar levels, count carbohydrates, monitor exercise and maintain good health in order to control their blood sugars. It is an endless grind that T1Ds never get a break from. Insulin is a treatment, there is no cure.
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There is ground-breaking research happening right here in Western Canada at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Dr. James Shapiro and his team at the Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI) are actively researching, collaborating and conducting ongoing clinical trials to accelerate the pace of diabetes research to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Funding this cure-based research to end T1D is the mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Canada (DRIFCan). DRIFCan was established in 2005 to fund Dr. Shapiro's Edmonton Protocol and continues to fund his team of researchers in the clinical and human trials at the ADI.
The goal of the T1D 4x4x48 is to raise funds for a cure for T1D. The pledges we collect will go directly to DRIFCan and support their mission of funding cure-based research through Dr. Shapiro and his team at the ADI. To learn more about DRIFCan and Dr. Shapiro's work please visit www.drifcan.com. |
Support cure-based research to end Type 1 Diabetes.