Join Us At The Pittsburgh Breakthrough T1D Summit!
We are excited to announce the upcoming Pittsburgh Community Summit is an educational event designed to empower individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), their families, and the broader community. This summit features a fantastic lineup of expert speakers who will provide valuable insights on a range of topics that matter most to those navigating life with T1D. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply looking to learn more about T1D, our summit has something for everyone. Here’s a preview of the sessions and speakers you won’t want to miss! Register here.
Introducing Our Keynote
Our morning will kick off with an exciting Keynote address from Daniel Phelan. Daniel Phelan is the founder and chairman of the Type 1 Action Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization he founded, which helps people with Type 1 Diabetes navigate legal and advocacy issues related to their diabetes. Through his work with the Type 1 Action Foundation, Daniel has helped establish significant case law that has strengthened the legal protections for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes in both schools and the workplace. In addition to the Type 1 Action Foundation, Daniel is an attorney whose legal practice focuses on corporate litigation matters, including securities matters, antitrust and trade regulation matters, and complex shareholder and partnership disputes. Before becoming an attorney, Daniel played professional baseball and remains one of the few people with Type 1 Diabetes to have played in professional sports. Daniel will deliver an inspiring speech for any age or any stage of T1D.
Our Breakout Sessions
1. T1D in Schools: Understanding Rights and Protections
Daniel Phelan
Navigating school life with Type 1 Diabetes can be challenging, but this session is here to help! Join us as we explore the reasonable accommodations that students with T1D are entitled to under federal law. Our expert speaker will walk through the protections available to students with T1D in educational settings and explain the remedies available for students who face discrimination. Whether you’re a parent of a child with T1D or an educator looking to better support your students, this session will provide the tools and information you need to ensure a fair and supportive learning environment.
2. How to Support Someone With T1D
Dr. Sandra Sobel
Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t just affect the person who is diagnosed—it also impacts their family, friends, and loved ones. In this session, we’ll break down how you can best support someone with T1D, from offering emotional support to understanding the day-to-day needs of managing diabetes. Whether you’re a parent, partner, or friend, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to be a supportive ally to someone living with T1D.
3. Insulin: The Timey-Wimey Stuff
Alicia Downs RN MSN CDCES BC-ADM
“People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually, from a nonlinear, non-subjective viewpoint, it’s more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff.”
— The 10th Doctor, Doctor Who (“Blink”)
Managing diabetes isn’t just about insulin and carbs—it’s about time! From the impact of meals and exercise to the mystery of overnight highs and lows, timing plays a crucial role in blood sugar control. Join us as we unravel the hidden time-related patterns in diabetes management and learn how to anticipate and adjust for better control. Together, we’ll become Diabetes Time Lords, mastering the art of timing to outsmart the highs and lows!
4. Taking T1D to College
The Pitt Diabetes Link
Transitioning to college life can be tough for any student, but it can present unique challenges for those with Type 1 Diabetes. In this empowering panel discussion, hear directly from local college students with T1D who are navigating their academic journey while managing their health. They’ll share tips, advice, and personal stories about how they balance college life with the realities of diabetes care, as well as how they advocate for themselves in the academic environment. They will provide guidance on selecting a college, moving in, requesting accommodations, and other important topics. This session will also give insight to parents about helping their child become more independent as they head off to college. This session is a must-attend for high school seniors or anyone looking to gain insight into the college experience with T1D.
5. T1D in the Workplace: Navigating Your Rights as an Employee
Daniel Phelan
Living with T1D doesn’t stop at the school doors—it extends into the workplace too. This session will shed light on the reasonable accommodations available to employees with Type 1 Diabetes and the federal laws that protect them. We’ll also discuss the steps to take if you feel your rights are being violated or if you’ve faced discrimination at work. Whether you’re an employer seeking to create an inclusive environment or an employee with T1D, this talk will provide essential information on ensuring a supportive workplace for all.
6. Breakthrough T1D Research Updates
Dr. Sandra Sobel
Science is constantly evolving, and so is the field of diabetes research. This session will bring you up to speed on the latest breakthroughs in Type 1 Diabetes care: from FDA approved immune therapies that are presently available, to promising cell therapies currently in clinical trials, to innovative technologies aimed at improving the lives of individuals with diabetes. Our expert speaker will provide an overview of cutting-edge research that Breakthrough T1D funds and its implications for the future of T1D treatment. If you’re passionate about the future of diabetes care, you’ll want to be in the room for this insightful session.
We hope you’re as excited as we are for these informative sessions! Whether you have Type 1 Diabetes yourself or simply want to learn more about how to support those who do, there’s something for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you there! Click here for more information.
