Every type 1 diabetes (T1D) breakthrough starts as an idea.
Through research, this idea can turn into something tangible: experiments, data, a prototype. While scientists and inventors in labs are making real progress, the fruits of this labor often do not reach community members for a very long time. So, when a new therapy or device gets approved by a federal agency, or a change in policy makes a treatment more accessible, this often represents a breakthrough that has been years—even decades—in the making.
This National Diabetes Awareness Month, join us in celebrating breakthroughs in approvals and access from the last year, which would not have been possible without the dedication of scientists, clinicians, advocates, and more working hard to turn research into reality.
From Approvals to Access: Breakthroughs from the Last Year
January: Affordable Long-Acting Insulin
Civica’s long-acting insulin glargine-yfgn (interchangeable with Lantus) is available for purchase for no more than $55 for 5 pens, available to anyone with a prescription, regardless of insurance status.
April: Teplizumab (Tzield) for Ages 1+ with Stage 2 T1D
For the first time ever, families with children ages 1 and older in stage 2 T1D can delay T1D progression by an average of 2 years with teplizumab—meaning more years of healthy life spent being a kid without the mental, emotional, and physical burdens of living with symptomatic T1D.
Intervening earlier and slowing the disease’s progression will provide the gift of time to young children and their caregivers, potentially improving lifelong outcomes. I am immensely proud of Breakthrough T1D’s role in advancing the research that made Tzield possible.”
May: Automated Insulin Delivery for Pregnancy and T1D
Tandem’s Control-IQ+ is the first automated insulin delivery (AID) system approved for use in pregnancy in T1D, meaning soon-to-be moms and their babies can have more time in range, fewer low blood sugar events, better sleep, and healthier pregnancies.
During pregnancy, Control-IQ+ was a game-changer. It helped me achieve more time in range, more predictable outcomes, and experience fewer highs and lows. It also reduced much of the mental burden and T1D-related anxiety that comes with having to constantly monitor and make adjustments, which allowed me to focus more on my overall health and my baby’s well-being. I’m grateful for Control-IQ+ helping me feel more confident and in control during my pregnancy and the healthy, safe delivery of my baby boy.”
May: Inhaled Insulin for Children and Adolescents with T1D
Afrezza, a rapid-acting, inhaled mealtime insulin, is approved for kids ages 6+ with a prescription, giving families a mealtime insulin option that does not require injections or pumps.
June: Teplizumab (Tzield) for Ages 8-17 with Newly Diagnosed Stage 3 T1D
Teplizumab is approved for children and adolescents ages 8-17 within 8 weeks of a stage 3 T1D diagnosis to safely and effectively delay the decline in the body’s insulin production. This is the first approval for stage 3 T1D that addresses the underlying cause of the disease—and it’s also the first time that regulators approved a therapy for T1D based on C-peptide.
Advancing therapies that can change the course of type 1 diabetes for those living with the condition is a key priority for Breakthrough T1D.”
August: The First Continuous Ketone Monitor for T1D
Abbott’s Libre Duo 10 Day is the first approved device in the U.S. that monitors both glucose and ketones in people ages 2+ with T1D. Continuous ketone monitoring (CKM) can prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a common and potentially life-threatening complication of T1D.
September: Finerenone for Chronic Kidney Disease and T1D
Finerenone (brand name Kerendia) is the first therapy approved in 30 years that can slow kidney disease progression in people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and T1D.
Today, there are few treatments available for chronic kidney disease, a common complication of type 1 diabetes. The approval of finerenone is a huge win for the T1D community.”
Breakthrough T1D has played a role in every advancement listed here—and none of this would be possible without our supporters. Thank you for helping T1D research move forward and become a reality for the people and families around the world living with the disease.
Help Us Drive Breakthroughs
Breakthrough T1D funds essential research into cures in addition to treatments and devices to improve the lives of people living with T1D today. By helping us fuel critical T1D research, you can play a part in the next breakthrough, bringing us one step closer to a world without T1D.
