April 18, 2024

Award recognizes outstanding efforts in type 1 diabetes research  

New York, April 18, 2024—JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Dr. Linda DiMeglio as co-recipient of the 2023 George Eisenbarth Award for Type 1 Diabetes Prevention in recognition of her leadership in prevention research.

Named after esteemed researcher George Eisenbarth, M.D., Ph.D., who provided the foundation for predicting T1D and identifying novel approaches toward prevention and cures, the award recognizes researchers who have made great contributions to preventing T1D.

Dr. DiMeglio has played an instrumental role in the development of international consensus guidance for monitoring of T1D in its early stages prior to clinical diagnosis. As vice chair of this effort, she helped to convene a broad range of global experts and co-led writing the guidance document, which will provide actionable information for healthcare providers to monitor early-stage T1D in the clinical setting.

In addition to maintaining an active clinical practice, Dr. DiMeglio serves as the Edwin Letzter Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology at Riley Children’s Health. She began her career with a Breakthrough T1D career development award to support one of her first research projects on insulin pump therapy in very young children with diabetes. Now, she directs local and national research teams focused on preventing T1D, preserving beta cell function, and improving metabolic control and quality of life for people living with the disease.

“Breakthrough T1D is thrilled to present this award to Dr. DiMeglio and recognize her clinical excellence and leadership in type 1 diabetes research,” said Breakthrough T1D Chief Scientific Officer Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D. “Dr. DiMeglio’s leadership in building international consensus for early-stage T1D monitoring is remarkable, and the resulting guidance will have a tremendous impact on the future of T1D care and treatment.”

Breakthrough T1D Research award recipients were recognized at a ceremony in New York City earlier in April 2024.

 

About Breakthrough T1D

JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).

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 or long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death if left untreated. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 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.