In 1970, JDF-The Diabetes Research Foundation-was established by a group of concerned parents whose children were afflicted with the disease. Since then, JDF has funded 25 years of leading-edge research that has changed the lives of people living with diabetes around the world. Here are some of the discoveries made possible through the JDF funding:

1972: Vitrectomy is developed to repair clouded vision in people with diabetes.

1974: Evidence found of a possible connection between viruses and the onset of diabetes.

1978: A test is developed to measure hemoglobin A1c levels, which becomes an important tool to measuring long-term control of blood sugar levels.

1980: Insulin-producing cells from healthy lab animals are implanted in diabetic animals of another species, restoring their ability to metabolize glucose.

1983: Scientists develop alternative insulin delivery device in the form of a nasal spray.

1987: Researchers discover the antibody that can predict the onset of diabetes with surprising accuracy.

1991: Bioengineers complete design of a non-invasive new blood glucose monitor and begin large scale clinical trails.

1995: Marge Heayn of Alberta, Canada makes medical history when she becomes the first person with diabetes to survive a year free of insulin, as a result of islet cell transplatation.

Email: Admin - Lesley Thompson - John Thompson Diabetes Scene Copyright and Disclaimer ©1997-98 Document Source: JDF