Award recognizes outstanding efforts in type 1 diabetes research
New York, Oct. 27, 2026—Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces William Tamborlane, M.D., Ph.D. as the recipient of the 2026 Breakthrough T1D David Rumbough Award in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments in T1D research.
The Breakthrough T1D David Rumbough Award acknowledges an individual who has made outstanding achievements in the field of T1D that have significantly accelerated the Breakthrough T1D mission.
Dr. Tamborlane had a distinguished career as an academic pediatric endocrinologist and diabetes researcher. His groundbreaking study of the portable insulin pump for individuals with T1D and dedication to the families who participated in the rigorous research protocols changed the trajectory of many people’s lives and had a tremendous impact on the field. He understood, with great conviction, that the achievement of glycemic targets would prevent long-term complications—a principle later confirmed unequivocally by the landmark Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), the results of which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1993. At the time of his retirement from Yale School of Medicine, his curriculum vitae listed over one thousand articles, book chapters, and guidance documents.
Over the course of his career, he received over 25 national and international honors, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF, now Breakthrough T1D) Mary Tyler Moore and S. Robert Levine, M.D. Excellence in Clinical Research Award in 2006 and the American Diabetes Association Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Diabetes Research Award in 2017.
“Dr. Tamborlane’s pioneering leadership in automated insulin delivery systems and diabetes technologies research helped transform type 1 diabetes treatment and made living with the condition more manageable for those who face it,” said Breakthrough T1D Chief Scientific Officer Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D. “Breakthrough T1D is honored to recognize Dr. Tamborlane and his exceptional legacy and career, which was punctuated by a steadfast dedication to the type 1 diabetes and research communities.”
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts 9.5 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
