We want to make living with type 1 diabetes easier and safer
Research to improve lives
That’s why we’re investing in research to make blood glucose management easier, reduce health complications and improve mental health.
We will do this through our three research priorities:
Managing blood glucose levels
Making blood glucose management easier and safer
Complications
Reducing the long-term health impacts of living with T1D
Behavioural health
Strategies to improve the mental health and quality of life of people with T1D
Making blood glucose management easier and safer
Managing blood glucose levels
While current dugs and technologies make living with T1D easier than in the past, we know that keeping blood glucose levels in the target range remains a daily challenge for people with the condition.
That’s why we’re funding research into new type 1 diabetes treatments. This includes new technologies that more closely mimic the natural workings of the pancreas, as well as better drugs – including new forms of insulin – to better manage blood glucose.
We’re working on the next generation of glucose-responsive insulins, smarter and smaller devices and combining other drugs to dramatically improve blood glucose management.
Reducing the long-term health impacts of living with type 1 diabetes
Complications
In Australia, around 40% of people living with T1D have developed at least one long-term health complication due to the condition.
We’re supporting the development of new treatments and drugs and establishing clinical trials to prevent or reverse the damage that comes with living with T1D.
Our focus is funding research projects that reduce the impact of T1D on eye, kidney and heart disease.
Strategies to improve the mental health and quality of life of people with T1D
Behavioural health
People living with T1D and their families face unique challenges in managing the condition that can often lead to anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.
We’re supporting research to ease this mental burden and improve the quality of life of those affected by T1D and their loved ones.
FAQs about research to improve lives
We answer the most important questions about our research program to bring new type 1 diabetes treatments and improve lives for those affected by the condition
What is Breakthrough T1D doing to help people who have been living with type 1 diabetes for many years?
Finding cures for T1D is core to our mission. But while we work to ensure this happens as quickly as possible, we’re committed to improving the lives of people who live with T1D.
This applies whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with the condition for many years.
We’re bringing new type 1 diabetes treatments in the following 3 areas:
1. New and better ways to manage blood glucose levels through better insulins and glucagons and better technologies such as insulin pumps, sensors, algorithms and combination therapies.
2. Treatments for eye, kidney and heart disease to reduce the number of long-term health complications that often arise from living with T1D.
3. Developing new interventions to improve the mental health and quality of life of people with T1D.
Is Breakthrough T1D supporting research into mental health for those who live with type 1 diabetes?
T1D is a condition that requires care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are no ‘rest’ days.
The relentless nature of the condition means that people living with T1D and those around them are at increased risk of suffering from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and disordered eating. Living with T1D can also generate social stigma.
That’s why we’re investing in research programs to address the mental health burden that can come with having T1D.
Is Breakthrough T1D looking at research to prevent and cure diabetic retinopathy or kidney disease?
Unfortunately, living with T1D for a longer time can lead to long-term impacts on organs around the body.
In Australia, around 40% of people living with T1D have developed at least one long-term health complication due to the condition. The most common complications are nerve damage, heart disease and kidney disease.
We fund research programs that look to prevent or better treat these conditions. Our focus is on improved treatments for eye, kidney and heart disease.
How can I keep updated on news about research to improve the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes?
The best way to keep up to date with research news from Breakthrough T1D-funded research is to follow our socials and sign up to our research newsletter: Game Changer. You can subscribe to this via the form at the bottom of this page.
We want to improve the lives of those with type 1 diabetes. Will you join us?
Help us improve the lives of those with T1D
Your donations help us fund projects in the most promising areas of T1D research. Will you donate today to help us keep pushing for a cure for T1D and improve lives?
Research news
The ultra long-acting insulin Tresiba is now listed on the PBS
Type1Screen: Screening for early-stage type 1 diabetes in family members
Research insights from a meeting of top international diabetes scientists in Australia
