May 16, 2026, San Diego, CA
9:00 am – 1:30 pm (Pacific Time)
The Breakthrough T1D Community Summit is an educational and networking opportunity for all those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). This year, the Breakthrough T1D Community Summit will bring our community together to learn from T1D experts, hear about the latest breakthroughs in T1D research, meet vendor exhibitors, connect with others impacted by T1D, and more.
We look forward to having you join us!
Interested in volunteering at this event? Sign up for a slot here.
On site screening available for children and adolescents ages 1 – 18. Information for adult screening will be available.
For kids in Kindergarten and older. Children must be signed in and out by guardian.
**General Sessions and Breakout Sessions are for adults. The Keynote Speaker is open to all attendees.
Dr. Robert Thomas, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at UC San Diego and DiabDocs-K12 Scholar, will lead an engaging session offering expert insights on current T1D care, an overview of current research at UCSD, as well as a closer in depth look at his Breakthrough T1D and Kellogg Family funded research focusing on hypoglycemia prevention using modern wearable sensors, bringing both clinical expertise and innovative perspective to this important conversation.
Join diabetes psychologist and person living with type 1 diabetes, Dr. Mark Heyman, for an honest and empowering conversation about the emotional side of living with T1D. Dr. Heyman will share practical, evidence-based strategies to manage burnout, build resilience, and navigate the mental health challenges that often accompany life with diabetes.
Please pick up your child(ren) from the kids zone to enjoy lunch and our session with Keynote Speaker, Actress Brec Bassinger, together!
General Session – Keynote Address | Actress Brec Bassinger is best known for her starring role on the DC Universe and The CW series, “Stargirl.” Brec was diagnosed with T1D when she was eight years old. When not in front of the camera filming, she lends her voice and dedicates her time to T1D advocacy.
General Session – T1D Screening | As a pediatric endocrinologist and physician-scientist, Dr. Demeterco-Berggren brings distinctive dual perspective as both clinician and scientist to her work in type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Breakout Session – T1D and Mental Health | Dr. Mark Heyman is a diabetes psychologist and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. He is passionate about providing diabetes education and evidence-based mental health treatment and online programs to people with diabetes.
Breakout Session – Breakthrough T1D Funded Research Projects | Dr. Robert Thomas is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and San Diego VA Medical Center. His current research is focused on hypoglycemia prevention in type 1 diabetes (T1D). His interest in diabetes research includes insight from his brother, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while he was a midshipman at the Naval Academy.
Breakout Session – Navigating the Highs and Lows of Type 1 Diabetes | Skylar is a researcher whose connection to type 1 diabetes began when her older sister was diagnosed at two years old. At 24, Skylar was diagnosed with T1D herself. She now researches diabetic complications, motivated to improve outcomes for those living with T1D.
Breakout Session – Navigating the Highs and Lows of Type 1 Diabetes | Matthew has been living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) since 2012. While still in high school, he discovered his life’s mission: to help others build a healthier, more positive relationship with food and nutrition. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Fresno State in 2019. Matthew then completed his dietetic internship at UC San Diego Health. After successfully passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam, he began his career as a clinical dietitian at El Centro Regional Medical Center. He now serves as a clinical dietitian at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California.
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