Our Projects

Explore our active and successfully funded projects.

Pioneering Breakthroughs in Diabetes Research

Diabetes Research Connection (DRC), are making a significant impact in the fight against diabetes. Each year, countless individuals and their families face the challenging diagnosis of diabetes. Our efforts are dedicated to supporting these communities through groundbreaking research and innovative solutions, aiming to transform the way diabetes is understood.

Be the first to know about T1D news, join the DRC family!

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive project updates, latest diabetes research news, and more.

100% of your donation is directed to a research project

Currently, 1.6 million Americans live with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), including 200,000 children. Approximately 64,000 new patients are diagnosed yearly. With your backing, we can drive innovation and advancements to find a cure.

Scientists from across the country submit their projects through our website.

DRC has distributed approximately $3M to research

Donor-Driven, Peer-Reviewed, Innovative Diabetes Research

Advancing understanding through DRC

Diabetes Research Connection is at the forefront of funding groundbreaking diabetes research aimed at discovering innovative treatments, therapies, and eventually a cure.

A few words from our supporters

“As a Type 1 Diabetic for nearly 30 years, I support Diabetes Research Connection’s innovative and transparent method of directly funding researchers whose novel approaches may lead to a reduction of complications and the holy grail: a cure”.

PAIGE MCCREADY, MFABoard of Directors

“At DRC we ensure that all research projects we advance for potential funding have received rigorous review by independent experts.  Your support goes to the brightest and best young scientists who are committed to finding a cure for diabetes”.

Nigel Calcutt, PH.D.Vice President and research scientist

“Entering my fourth decade of Type 1 Diabetes research, it is quite remarkable to look back and see how research seeking to identify answers to the questions of how this disease develops and how the disorder could be cured have changed. No one could have envisioned the difficulty of obtaining research funding, especially for young people. For these reasons, I believe the mission of the Diabetes Research Connection is vital! It offers hope for the future of both those with T1D and young investigators committed to making a major change possible. I fully support DRC and am committed to seeing it prosper.”

Mark Atkinson, Ph.D.Director, University of Florida Diabetes Institute

“There is a need for increased collaborative efforts to eradicate diabetes. We need to invest in young scientists with new and fresh ideas who are willing to dedicate their careers to studying diabetes. Federal funding for young investigators in basic research is getting harder to acquire, so private funding is critical to invest in novel ideas to help young scientists in their quest for the cure.”

Agata Jurczyk, Ph.D.University of Massachusetts Medical School

“The Diabetes Research Connection will advance the efforts of early-career scientists whose innovative proposals for diabetes investigations might be overlooked by government funding agencies in favor of more conventional research.”

Alberto Hayek, M.D.Professor Emeritus, UC San Diego

“We support the Diabetes Research Connection because it affords us the rare opportunity to select the research that we believe in and to better understand it by interacting with the very scientists who will DO the research.”

Amy AdamsDonor, Chair of Lay Review Committee, Diabetes Research Connection

“Several of my family members have or had diabetes. I have lived with T1D for over 50 years. I am committed to ensuring that the Diabetes Research Connection becomes one of the most significant forces funding innovative diabetes research that will rid the planet of this disease and its complications.”

David WinklerChair of the Board, Diabetes Research Connection

“The Diabetes Research Connection is a powerful breeding ground for new ideas in T1D research in the context of a supportive and enthusiastic community of donors.”

C.C. KingAssociate Research Scientist, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, UCSD

“I love the concept behind this website and organization: funding young scientists to pursue new, but fully vetted ideas in type 1 diabetes research. We need to continue to feed the developmental pipeline for research scientists and ideas in Type 1. I love the idea of choosing where (to whom) my money goes and hearing directly from them.”

Chris StiehlSupporter

“This is a fantastic new method for funding scientific endeavors and represents a paradigm shift for supporting innovative basic diabetes research. The Diabetes Research Connection will expedite the discovery process and ensure funding for the next generation of promising young researchers, leading to discoveries and ways in which to prevent and cure Type 1 Diabetes.”

Ivan GaylerDonor

“I am passionate about User Experience and developing technologies that create meaningful communities that are focused on making a difference. So I am thrilled at this groundbreaking effort to revolutionize how we fund diabetes research. Most important to me is the effort to bridge the gap between scientists and supporters to cultivate a community of connection. The Diabetes Research Connection aspires to create a community of compassion and care that will lead us to the cure. It will revolutionize the link between the champions that are supporting our fight for the cure and the researchers that are waging our war for progress.”

Jarryd WaferSenior Designer at FindTheBest.com

The Diabetes Research Connection is a tremendous new way to fund brilliant young research investigators in the early stages of their careers — when they need our support the most. These fresh, innovative minds will spearhead scientific discoveries and will ensure that we have a robust diabetes drug/device pipeline for years to come. I applaud the founders of DRC for creating this important new resource that empowers donors to fund researchers directly, and for offering transparency to the entire funding process.

Lorraine StiehlDiabetes Research Advocate, Board Member JDRF, Board Member Diabetes Hands Foundation

“DRC fills a void in our Type 1 Diabetes funding scheme – it allows for postdoctoral and early investigators to get their ideas out to the interested public and to provide much-needed funds for this next generation researcher to conduct their important studies.”

Matthias Hebrok, Ph.D.Director, Diabetes Center, UC of San Francisco

In this time of funding difficulty, the Diabetes Research Connection is a novel way to obtain funding and a great way for scientists to communicate their exciting ideas with the public. Scientists need to branch out and explore new funding mechanisms.

Maureen Gannon, Ph.D.Vanderbilt University, Associate Professor of Medicine, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Cell and Developmental Biology

“It was a pleasure working with the Diabetes Research Connection. This was one of the fastest reviews! I thank the Diabetes Research Connection for their support, reviews, and feedback. The comments on the pre-proposal were very helpful in refining and clarifying my thoughts and experimental plan, and the input provided by the Layperson Committee on my video helped me produce something with a much stronger chance of attracting potential donors. I am delighted to have received this opportunity.”

Sangeeta Dhawan, Ph.D.University of California Los Angeles

“Thanks to the Diabetes Research Connection, I was able to undertake my investigation, ‘Can we engineer a patient’s immune cells to stop the autoimmune attack that causes Type 1 Diabetes?’ The Brusko lab is incredibly grateful for the $50,000 we received to drive this exciting research project forward.”

Todd Brusko, Ph.D.University of Florida
Can the Inhibition of One Specific Body Gene Prevent Type 1 Diabetes? (Melanie Shapiro)

Can the Inhibition of One Specific Body Gene Prevent Type 1 Diabetes? (Melanie Shapiro)

Taming a Particularly Lethal Category of Cells May Reduce/Eliminate the Onset of T1D (Dr. J. Dwyer)

Taming a Particularly Lethal Category of Cells May Reduce/Eliminate the Onset of T1D (Dr. J. Dwyer)

A Potential Second Cure for T1D by Re-Educating the Patient’s Immune System (Dr. Leonardo Ferreira)

A Potential Second Cure for T1D by Re-Educating the Patient’s Immune System (Dr. Leonardo Ferreira)

Stakeholder-Engaged Precision Health for Longevity and Healthy Aging with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Stakeholder-Engaged Precision Health for Longevity and Healthy Aging with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Dr. Han Zhu's Project

Dr. Han Zhu’s Project

Dr. Sandra Mara Ferreira's Project

Dr. Sandra Mara Ferreira’s Project

News

Thanks to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers, DRC’s Dance for Diabetes raised

$425,000+

for Type 1 Diabetes research
Want to be a part of something amazing? Volunteer for our upcoming annual event, Dance for Diabetes, happening this September as we celebrate #NationalVolunteerWeek! 💃🕺 Stay tuned for more details!

Dance for Diabetes is a day filled with music, dancing, and a lot of fun, but most importantly, it's about hope for a future without type 1 diabetes. Join us in dancing towards a cure! 💙

Click the link in our bio to learn more and get involved.

#Volunteer #CommunityHeroes #DanceForDiabetes #TogetherWeThrive #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC

Want to be a part of something amazing? Volunteer for our upcoming annual event, Dance for Diabetes, happening this September as we celebrate #NationalVolunteerWeek! 💃🕺 Stay tuned for more details!

Dance for Diabetes is a day filled with music, dancing, and a lot of fun, but most importantly, it`s about hope for a future without type 1 diabetes. Join us in dancing towards a cure! 💙

Click the link in our bio to learn more and get involved.

#Volunteer #CommunityHeroes #DanceForDiabetes #TogetherWeThrive #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC

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🌟 We’re sending a heartfelt THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers this #NationalVolunteerWeek! Your dedication and passion for supporting type 1 diabetes research are truly inspiring. Together, you’ve made a huge impact on our mission to find a cure. If you’re not already part of our amazing team, we invite you to join us! Together, we can achieve even more and make a difference in the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes. 

🌟 Check out the link in our bio to sign up to volunteer today and let’s continue to thrive together! 💙

#TogetherWeThrive #Volunteer #VolunteerWeek #Gratitude #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC

🌟 We’re sending a heartfelt THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers this #NationalVolunteerWeek! Your dedication and passion for supporting type 1 diabetes research are truly inspiring. Together, you’ve made a huge impact on our mission to find a cure. If you’re not already part of our amazing team, we invite you to join us! Together, we can achieve even more and make a difference in the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes.

🌟 Check out the link in our bio to sign up to volunteer today and let’s continue to thrive together! 💙

#TogetherWeThrive #Volunteer #VolunteerWeek #Gratitude #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC

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Happy Earth Day! Together, let’s advocate for a healthier world for both people and the environment. 🌎💙 #earthday

Happy Earth Day! Together, let’s advocate for a healthier world for both people and the environment. 🌎💙 #earthday

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🌟 Debbie, a long-time supporter of Diabetes Research Connection and a beacon of strength for her son, Jacob, as well as all parents navigating type 1 diabetes, offers invaluable advice to those with a newly diagnosed child: 

"Find your T1D support community, and do not try and figure everything out on your own. It’s amazingly helpful to talk with people who truly understand the variety of challenges faced by parents of children with T1D - emotional, logistical, medical, etc. That camaraderie and the shared insights were really beneficial for our family."

Let's continue this conversation! Share your tips for supporting family members with T1D in the comments below. 

#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #BondedBeyondBlood #T1D #T1DCommunity #T1DSupportTips #Support

🌟 Debbie, a long-time supporter of Diabetes Research Connection and a beacon of strength for her son, Jacob, as well as all parents navigating type 1 diabetes, offers invaluable advice to those with a newly diagnosed child:

“Find your T1D support community, and do not try and figure everything out on your own. It’s amazingly helpful to talk with people who truly understand the variety of challenges faced by parents of children with T1D – emotional, logistical, medical, etc. That camaraderie and the shared insights were really beneficial for our family.”

Let`s continue this conversation! Share your tips for supporting family members with T1D in the comments below.

#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #BondedBeyondBlood #T1D #T1DCommunity #T1DSupportTips #Support

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Exciting news! We're extending the deadline for DRC's San Francisco Donate to Win Getaway! For every $100 you donate by April 30th, you will receive one entry into the drawing. A minimum of ten $100 donations ($1,000) must be received by DRC to enable this drawing to occur.

🌟 Check out the link in our bio for more details 🌟

Don't let this opportunity slip away to turn your dreamy getaway into a reality! 🎉

#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #SanFrancisco #SanFranciscoGetaway #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DonateToWin #GiveCampaign

Exciting news! We`re extending the deadline for DRC`s San Francisco Donate to Win Getaway! For every $100 you donate by April 30th, you will receive one entry into the drawing. A minimum of ten $100 donations ($1,000) must be received by DRC to enable this drawing to occur.

🌟 Check out the link in our bio for more details 🌟

Don`t let this opportunity slip away to turn your dreamy getaway into a reality! 🎉

#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #SanFrancisco #SanFranciscoGetaway #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DonateToWin #GiveCampaign

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Living with type 1 diabetes requires constant effort, but together, we're striving towards a future free from its burdens. Join us in our mission to find a cure.  Click the link in our bio to donate.

Living with type 1 diabetes requires constant effort, but together, we`re striving towards a future free from its burdens. Join us in our mission to find a cure. Click the link in our bio to donate.

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Morning rituals include more than just coffee for those with type 1 diabetes; it's also about navigating the Dawn Phenomenon. As the sun rises, so do blood sugar levels, reminding us of the constant vigilance needed in managing this condition.

Morning rituals include more than just coffee for those with type 1 diabetes; it`s also about navigating the Dawn Phenomenon. As the sun rises, so do blood sugar levels, reminding us of the constant vigilance needed in managing this condition.

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DRC celebrates extension of the Special Diabetes Program, approved by Congress last month. The extension, passed with bi-partisan approval, will fund the program through the end of 2024 at $160 million per-program per-year, a $10 million increase for each component. The program has not received an increase in funding since 2004.  The program’s extension and much needed increase in funding will ensure that critical type 1 diabetes research will continue moving forward.  More info: https://tinyurl.com/SDP2024news
 
For more than 25 years, the Special Diabetes Program – which includes the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research – has delivered meaningful research breakthroughs for those with Type 1 diabetes.  The bi-partisan letter outlining some of the SDP’s major accomplishments can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/SDP2023letter .

DRC celebrates extension of the Special Diabetes Program, approved by Congress last month. The extension, passed with bi-partisan approval, will fund the program through the end of 2024 at $160 million per-program per-year, a $10 million increase for each component. The program has not received an increase in funding since 2004. The program’s extension and much needed increase in funding will ensure that critical type 1 diabetes research will continue moving forward. More info: https://tinyurl.com/SDP2024news

For more than 25 years, the Special Diabetes Program – which includes the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research – has delivered meaningful research breakthroughs for those with Type 1 diabetes. The bi-partisan letter outlining some of the SDP’s major accomplishments can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/SDP2023letter .

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Nick Jonas, one third of the Jonas Brothers, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 13. Since then, his brothers and bandmates, Kevin and Joe, have been his rock.

“They’re incredibly supportive, and really help normalize it,” Nick shares.

His siblings ensure he has juice and snacks by his bedside, ready to act during sugar highs or lows.

“They understand if I’m irritable, it’s probably because my glucose is high. They give me grace or ensure I have what I need,” he says.

Beyond physical health, Nick stresses the importance of addressing mental health in the T1D community.

“It’s super important for people to have that conversation around the mental health aspect,” he emphasizes, highlighting the significance of acknowledging strong support systems in effectively managing T1D.

#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC  #BondedBeyondBlood  #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity #FamilySupport #NickJonas #JonasBrothers

Nick Jonas, one third of the Jonas Brothers, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 13. Since then, his brothers and bandmates, Kevin and Joe, have been his rock.

“They’re incredibly supportive, and really help normalize it,” Nick shares.

His siblings ensure he has juice and snacks by his bedside, ready to act during sugar highs or lows.

“They understand if I’m irritable, it’s probably because my glucose is high. They give me grace or ensure I have what I need,” he says.

Beyond physical health, Nick stresses the importance of addressing mental health in the T1D community.

“It’s super important for people to have that conversation around the mental health aspect,” he emphasizes, highlighting the significance of acknowledging strong support systems in effectively managing T1D.

#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #BondedBeyondBlood #Type1Diabetes #T1D #T1DCommunity #FamilySupport #NickJonas #JonasBrothers

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🌍💙 On #WorldHealthDay, let's join hands to empower those impacted by diabetes and drive groundbreaking research forward! With over 400 million worldwide affected, raising awareness and supporting research is crucial. Join us in making a difference today! Click the link in our bio to donate to Diabetes Research Connection today and support early career scientists shaping a healthier future for all. #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #HealthForAll #WorldHealthDay2024

🌍💙 On #WorldHealthDay, let`s join hands to empower those impacted by diabetes and drive groundbreaking research forward! With over 400 million worldwide affected, raising awareness and supporting research is crucial. Join us in making a difference today! Click the link in our bio to donate to Diabetes Research Connection today and support early career scientists shaping a healthier future for all. #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #HealthForAll #WorldHealthDay2024

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👭 Sisters in strength, #bondedbeyondblood. 💪 Living with #T1D since childhood, Lauren & Kyra's journey is a testament to resilience and unity. From shared diagnoses to supporting each other's dreams, they stand tall against T1D. 

Lauren was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the tender age of 6, followed by her sister Kyra at 13, four years later.

Kyra: “My little sister is not just my sibling; she's my lifeline in managing type 1 diabetes. From sharing low snacks during low blood sugar episodes to being the person I can confide in about the struggles only we understand, she's my rock. Together, we keep each other on track with our hemoglobin A1c levels and consistently motivate one another to prioritize self-care, striving towards the goal of living the healthiest and longest lives possible.”

Lauren: “Sharing the challenges of managing type 1 diabetes with my sister strengthens our bond and provides an invaluable understanding and support system. When one of us is experiencing type 1 diabetic burnout, the other one is there to listen. No matter how difficult living with type 1 diabetes is, we know that we always have each other to lean on.”

👭 Sisters in strength, #bondedbeyondblood. 💪 Living with #T1D since childhood, Lauren & Kyra`s journey is a testament to resilience and unity. From shared diagnoses to supporting each other`s dreams, they stand tall against T1D.

Lauren was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the tender age of 6, followed by her sister Kyra at 13, four years later.

Kyra: “My little sister is not just my sibling; she`s my lifeline in managing type 1 diabetes. From sharing low snacks during low blood sugar episodes to being the person I can confide in about the struggles only we understand, she`s my rock. Together, we keep each other on track with our hemoglobin A1c levels and consistently motivate one another to prioritize self-care, striving towards the goal of living the healthiest and longest lives possible.”

Lauren: “Sharing the challenges of managing type 1 diabetes with my sister strengthens our bond and provides an invaluable understanding and support system. When one of us is experiencing type 1 diabetic burnout, the other one is there to listen. No matter how difficult living with type 1 diabetes is, we know that we always have each other to lean on.”

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Welcome to #BondedBeyondBlood: where family support meets the strength of community. In the journey of managing type 1 diabetes (T1D), one thing becomes abundantly clear: family support is everything. 

Each week throughout this month, we'll shine a light on the strength found within family bonds and the support that carries individuals and their loved ones through even the toughest of times and celebrate the power of togetherness in the T1D community. 

#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #T1D #T1DCommunity #FamilySupport #BondedBeyondBlood

Welcome to #BondedBeyondBlood: where family support meets the strength of community. In the journey of managing type 1 diabetes (T1D), one thing becomes abundantly clear: family support is everything.

Each week throughout this month, we`ll shine a light on the strength found within family bonds and the support that carries individuals and their loved ones through even the toughest of times and celebrate the power of togetherness in the T1D community.

#DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #T1D #T1DCommunity #FamilySupport #BondedBeyondBlood

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What is your favorite springtime produce? Let us know!

What is your favorite springtime produce? Let us know!

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Maria Hansen and her team investigated Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2), a protein crucial for cell energy regulation, especially in insulin-producing cell development. They found that reducing UCP2 levels might enhance the maturation and function of these cells. Using CRISPR-Cas9, they generated cells lacking UCP2 (UCP2KO cells) and adopted a more reliable differentiation method developed by another lab. This approach revealed differences in glucose response and genetic activity between UCP2KO cells and normal cells. Their goal is to understand how altering cell energy regulation affects insulin-producing cell development. Additionally, they plan to use Genipin, a drug, to explore the effects of blocking UCP2 activity at various developmental stages.

Maria Hansen and her team investigated Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2), a protein crucial for cell energy regulation, especially in insulin-producing cell development. They found that reducing UCP2 levels might enhance the maturation and function of these cells. Using CRISPR-Cas9, they generated cells lacking UCP2 (UCP2KO cells) and adopted a more reliable differentiation method developed by another lab. This approach revealed differences in glucose response and genetic activity between UCP2KO cells and normal cells. Their goal is to understand how altering cell energy regulation affects insulin-producing cell development. Additionally, they plan to use Genipin, a drug, to explore the effects of blocking UCP2 activity at various developmental stages.

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Having type 1 diabetes as a woman presents some unique challenges. Navigating the uncertainties surrounding healthy offspring and pregnancy, managing blood glucose levels amidst work challenges, and addressing the impact of menstrual cycles on diabetes are just a few concerns for women with diabetes. Fertility issues, stereotypes, and the juggle of multiple roles alongside constant diabetes management add to the complexity. Despite these challenges, women strive to excel in various aspects of life, embracing empowerment and entrepreneurship while living with diabetes around the clock.

Having type 1 diabetes as a woman presents some unique challenges. Navigating the uncertainties surrounding healthy offspring and pregnancy, managing blood glucose levels amidst work challenges, and addressing the impact of menstrual cycles on diabetes are just a few concerns for women with diabetes. Fertility issues, stereotypes, and the juggle of multiple roles alongside constant diabetes management add to the complexity. Despite these challenges, women strive to excel in various aspects of life, embracing empowerment and entrepreneurship while living with diabetes around the clock.

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Let's debunk some common type 1 diabetes myths! Learn more here: https://ow.ly/ERjr50QIYvv

Let`s debunk some common type 1 diabetes myths! Learn more here: https://ow.ly/ERjr50QIYvv

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🌟 Happy International Women's Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the extraordinary women who have made a profound impact on our type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. From the strong and resilient women living with T1D to the brilliant researchers at Diabetes Research Connection (DRC), and all our dedicated supporters, your strength, resilience, and contributions are truly remarkable. Your inspiration fuels our journey together, today and every day. Here's to the power of women in shaping a healthier future for all! 💙💪 

#InternationalWomensDay #InvestInWomen #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment #WomenInLeadership #WomenInResearch  #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #T1DCommunity #T1D

🌟 Happy International Women`s Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the extraordinary women who have made a profound impact on our type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. From the strong and resilient women living with T1D to the brilliant researchers at Diabetes Research Connection (DRC), and all our dedicated supporters, your strength, resilience, and contributions are truly remarkable. Your inspiration fuels our journey together, today and every day. Here`s to the power of women in shaping a healthier future for all! 💙💪

#InternationalWomensDay #InvestInWomen #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment #WomenInLeadership #WomenInResearch #DiabetesResearchConnection #DRC #T1DCommunity #T1D

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