November is National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM) and at Breakthrough T1D we honor all those affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D) by raising awareness and funds for this disease. As the leading global organization funding T1D research, Breakthrough T1D aims to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.
In September 2016, Breakthrough T1D celebrated a historic achievement after years of funding research in the development of artificial pancreas systems and laying the ground work for the FDA approval of the first hybrid closed-loop system. The Medtronic MiniMed 670G system automates the dosing of insulin and dramatically reduces the burden that people with T1D live with every day.
This life-changing breakthrough in technology has reached market and is already being used by T1D’s across the country. Meet Jack as his mom, Katie describes their experience.
“Our son, Jack, was diagnosed with T1D at age 10. As a mom, I am continually advocating for my son’s health. Through Breakthrough T1D, I have continued to remain engaged in learning about the latest research and technology available to Jack to lessen his daily burden of T1D. When I learned of the FDA’s approval of the artificial pancreas (AP) I knew I needed to know more and that Jack needed to have one. On August 3, 2017, Jack went into auto mode with his AP system.
We ran the AP through its paces at the 2017 Wisconsin State Fair. With the 670G requiring less than 4 finger pokes a day (previously 8-12 times) and its ability to stop giving insulin before a low, we felt comfortable letting the system handle his T1D management. After an entire day of snacking/eating at the fair his numbers were amazing! There was no roller coaster of highs and lows from eating and dosing; we were in range 70% that day.”
The 670G has greatly minimized Jack’s daily burden of T1D. It has allowed our family to create another “new normal” that is not constantly focused on T1D and numbers. Jack is now adjusting to this new normal. He is slowly learning what it feels like to have consistent blood sugar numbers again.”
This breakthrough is a testament to the reason Breakthrough T1D exists – to help people with T1D lead better, safer, healthier lives while we continue on the path to cure and prevent the disease altogether and it marks a major accomplishment in one of our highest priority research areas.
On behalf of Jack and millions of people living with T1D, please donate to Breakthrough T1D during NDAM to help fund groundbreaking research to change lives.
https://secure3.convio.net/jdrf3/goto/NDAM
