The type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has changed its name to “Breakthrough T1D” to emphasize its mission to help people of all ages with the condition.
The new name was announced on June 4, 2024, during the organization’s Government Day conference in Washington, DC. “Breakthrough T1D was selected following a rigorous, data-informed process because it more accurately conveys the nonprofit’s ability to connect with and work on behalf of the entire type 1 diabetes community,” according to a statement issued by the organization.
T1D, an autoimmune disease that destroys insulin production by the pancreas, was previously believed to only arise during childhood. “However, it is now known that T1D can develop at any age, regardless of family history,” the statement said.
In fact, according to data collected from the T1D Index, the median age for a person living with T1D worldwide is 37 years. Only about one in five are aged 20 years or younger, two thirds are aged 20-64 years, and another one in five are aged 65 years or older.
The organization was founded in 1970 by parents of children with T1D and was originally called the “Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.” The “research” part was added in 2012 to reflect that aspect of its mission.
Aaron J. Kowalski, PhD, Breakthrough T1D’s chief executive officer, said in the statement, “For more than half a century, our organization has been at the forefront of type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. It is an honor to be CEO at this breakthrough moment as the organization takes a name that more accurately reflects our community and priorities.”
He added, “As an adult and scientist living with type 1 diabetes, I believe our new name, Breakthrough T1D, will help to deepen engagement and support across the entire community as we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes.”
Miriam E. Tucker is a freelance journalist based in the Washington, DC, area. She is a regular contributor to Medscape Medical News, with other work appearing in the Washington Post, NPR’s Shots blog, and Diatribe. She is on X: @MiriamETucker.
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