Breakthrough T1D Pacific Northwest Community Summit

Be sure to visit our vendor fair, where you’ll have the chance to connect with local organizations and companies dedicated to supporting the T1D community. Learn about the latest products and resources. You’ll also have the opportunity to stop by the Breakthrough T1D Hub, where you can learn about different ways to get involved, connect with others, and make a meaningful impact in advancing T1D awareness and research.

Youth and Teen programming is available for children in grades K-12. Please note – parents/guardians will be contacted for all T1D management during the Summit.

Dr. Hirsch will deliver a keynote research update reflecting on the remarkable progress in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. His career, dedicated to advancing insulin therapy, diabetes technologies, and glycemic data management, has placed him at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries. In his talk, Dr. Hirsch will highlight major milestones that have transformed T1D care, from innovations in continuous glucose monitoring to advances in pharmacologic strategies for preventing diabetic complications. He will also share his insights into the future of T1D research, discussing the breakthroughs on the horizon that he is most excited about, such as precision medicine, novel therapies for diabetic kidney disease, and more personalized approaches to managing glycemic targets in complex patients. With over 300 research papers and a lifetime of contributions to the diabetes field, Dr. Hirsch’s update promises to inspire hope and optimism about what lies ahead in the quest for a cure.

This insightful and heartfelt panel discussion is tailored for families with children recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The session brings together a diverse group of parents, caregivers, and adults living with T1D who will share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or emotional support, this session offers a safe space to ask questions and connect with others who understand the journey.

Join Dr. Faisal Malik, Director of Research and Medical Co-Director of the Achieving Health in Emerging Adults with Diabetes (AHEAD) Program designed to meet the educational, psychosocial, and health care transition needs of emerging adults with diabetes. This breakout session will explore parental viewpoints on developmental milestones for emerging adults with T1D and review how caregivers and healthcare professionals can support successful transition to independence with T1D management.

Join local T1D clinical research experts and patients for an insightful discussion on the pivotal role clinical trials play in advancing T1D treatments. This session will highlight how trial participation drives life-changing breakthroughs and shapes the future of T1D care. Attendees will also learn about current local clinical trial opportunities for both youth and adults living with T1D.

Hermona Girmay, Miss Washington 2024, will share her inspiring journey as a T1D warrior, public health advocate, and first-generation Eritrean-American. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2020, Hermona will speak about the power of community, resilience, and her mission to increase representation for others living with T1D. Join us as she highlights how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and advocacy.