The mission of Breakthrough T1D is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.  Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal.  Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump – each day, every day of their lives.  And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

The Breakthrough T1D Capitol Chapter serves the Washington, DC metro area offering invaluable community outreach, support and education as well as a variety of events throughout the year to raise funds for diabetes research.  Our region covers the District of Columbia; Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s Counties in Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties in Virginia; and Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in West Virginia.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, Breakthrough T1D has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008.  In FY2008, the Foundation funded more than 1,000 centers, grants in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, and fellowships in 22 countries.