Diabetes Research Connection

Diabetes Research Connection The Diabetes Research Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in San Diego, California.

At Diabetes Research Connection, we connect the pieces — uniting donors and early-career scientists to fund innovative Type 1 Diabetes research that drives progress, inspires breakthroughs, and moves us closer to a cure.. Established in 2012 by five tireless proponents of diabetes research, our mission is to connect donors with early-career scientists enabling them to perform peer-reviewed, novel

research designed to prevent and cure type 1 diabetes, minimize its complications and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease. One out of every hundred Americans has type 1 diabetes. Millions of children and adults struggle with this autoimmune disease. Despite these numbers, funding for diabetes research has declined. Of the funding available, 97% goes to established scientists. Scientific breakthroughs often emerge due to the inventiveness of early-career scientists. Albert Einstein revealed his theory of general relativity at 26. Banting & Best discovered insulin before they turned 33. Imagine our world today if these scientists had not received funding for their research? These young scientists have exciting new ideas however, mainstream funding rarely supports them, so their ideas simply can’t off the ground…until now. We grant up to $50,000 to support each research project. How it works:

Scientists from across the country submit their projects through our website. Members of our panel of more than 80 of the leadingabout_us diabetes experts review each proposal for innovation, value and feasibility. These established scientists donate their time and expertise to encourage the next generation of diabetes investigators. The time from application to funding can be as few as 12 weeks, compared to over a year for other funding agencies. In 2015, 100% of our research funds will go directly to the scientists. To ensure transparency, each researcher provides updates on their project and posts final outcomes on our website. Support comes from tax-deductible donations made by individuals, corporations and foundations. Donors have the power to select the research project or projects they wish to fund from an array of peer-reviewed proposals posted on our website. Ordinary people making extraordinary efforts is what changes the world. Your support may very well be what unlocks the diabetes puzzle that continues to plague millions of people.

What does it take to perform on the world stage while managing type 1 diabetes every single day?Internationally acclaime...
05/26/2026

What does it take to perform on the world stage while managing type 1 diabetes every single day?

Internationally acclaimed cellist Alisa Weilerstein shares her personal journey living with T1D — from being diagnosed at age 9 to balancing life as a musician, wife, and mother while navigating the constant mental load of diabetes.

In this candid conversation from DRC’s Orchestrating a Cure event, Alisa reflects on resilience, scientific progress, and why supporting research matters now more than ever.

“Every advancement has given me more freedom and safety in daily life.”

Read the full interview at https://diabetesresearchconnection.org/orchestrating-hope-alisa-weilerstein-on-living-with-type-1-diabetes/ 🎻💙

🧪🦠 NEW Future Scientists Club activity just dropped!Have you ever wondered why people with diabetes are told to wash the...
05/18/2026

🧪🦠 NEW Future Scientists Club activity just dropped!

Have you ever wondered why people with diabetes are told to wash their hands before checking blood sugar or using insulin? In this hands-on STEM experiment, kids can SEE how germs spread using slices of bread 🍞

In this activity, young scientists will:
🔬 Make a hypothesis
🧪 Run a real experiment
📊 Observe results over time
🧠 Learn why clean hands matter in diabetes care

Warning: it gets a little gross… and a LOT interesting 🤢✨

Perfect for:
✔️ Classrooms
✔️ Homeschool activities
✔️ Rainy day science fun
✔️ Curious kids of all ages

Read the full experiment now https://diabetesresearchconnection.org/science-activity-clean-hands-challenge

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is action.For the type 1 diabetes community, mental health c...
05/16/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is action.

For the type 1 diabetes community, mental health cannot be separated from physical health. Living with T1D involves managing hundreds of decisions every day while carrying the constant emotional pressure of a condition that does not take breaks.

The mental load is real. And it deserves to be acknowledged.

We believe research is about more than scientific progress. It is about people. It is about helping reduce the fear, burnout, stress, and exhaustion that many individuals & families experience living with T1D.

Every advancement in care, technology, and treatment has the potential to improve not only health outcomes, but quality of life and emotional wellbeing too.

That is part of why we do what we do.
This month, we recognize the importance of mental health support, open conversation, and action that helps people with T1D live with more hope, confidence, and relief! 💙💚

Happy Global Love Day from Diabetes Research Connection.Today, we are sending love to everyone connected to the Type 1 D...
05/01/2026

Happy Global Love Day from Diabetes Research Connection.

Today, we are sending love to everyone connected to the Type 1 Diabetes community: those living with T1D every day, the scientists working toward better treatments and a cure, the loved ones who show up with care and understanding, the donors who make early stage research possible, the volunteers who give their time, and the team helping carry this mission forward.

At DRC, love shows up through action. It is in every act of care, every hour given, every bold question asked, and every step toward a future without Type 1 Diabetes.

Who are you sending love to today? 💌

We have heard and read that with today’s technology, “Type 1 diabetes should no longer be dangerous.”It is a hopeful ide...
04/23/2026

We have heard and read that with today’s technology, “Type 1 diabetes should no longer be dangerous.”

It is a hopeful idea. But it is not the full picture.

Type 1 diabetes is more manageable than it has ever been, but it still requires constant decision-making in a body that does not behave predictably.

Severe lows, DKA, unpredictable responses to insulin, limitations in technology, and unequal access to care are still part of this condition.

When we share stories or raise awareness, it is not to create fear. It is to reflect the reality that still exists.

Because understanding that reality is what drives better care, better support, and continued research.

Senator Mark Warner shared the loss of his daughter, Madison, after a lifelong battle with Type 1 diabetes. He was a str...
04/23/2026

Senator Mark Warner shared the loss of his daughter, Madison, after a lifelong battle with Type 1 diabetes. He was a strong advocate for the T1D community, using his platform to push for insulin access and protections for those living with the disease.

This is an important reminder that while advancements such as insulin, continuous glucose monitors, and insulin pumps offer valuable support in managing Type 1 diabetes, the condition remains life threatening, and the only lasting solution is a cure.

At Diabetes Research Connection, we will continue our fight for a cure so that no one has to experience such a heartbreaking loss from Type 1 diabetes and its complications. Our love goes out to their family 💙

Get ready for a night that moves you—in every sense 💫As DRC's largest fundraiser of the year, Dance for Diabetes is an u...
04/23/2026

Get ready for a night that moves you—in every sense 💫

As DRC's largest fundraiser of the year, Dance for Diabetes is an unforgettable evening of dinner, cocktails, live music, dancing, and a live auction—all in support of Type 1 Diabetes research. Every moment helps fund bold, early-stage breakthroughs and brings us closer to better treatments and a cure.

Event Details:
Saturday, September 26th, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
3777 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, California 92122

Cocktail attire

Tickets and sponsorship details:
www.dancefordiabetes.com

Formal invitation coming soon. Save the date—we can’t wait to dance the night away with you 🖤

For many kids living with Type 1 diabetes, insulin pumps and glucose monitors can draw attention they didn’t ask for. Bu...
03/09/2026

For many kids living with Type 1 diabetes, insulin pumps and glucose monitors can draw attention they didn’t ask for. But what if those beeps weren’t something to feel embarrassed about?

In our newest blog interview, author Danakelly Hampton shares the inspiration behind her children’s book She Beeps, and That’s OK! Living Bravely with Type 1 Diabetes. Inspired by her own journey with T1D, the story helps kids understand their devices, build confidence, and feel less alone.

💬 If you live with T1D or love someone who does, what’s something you wish people understood about diabetes devices?

📖 Read the full interview on our blog
🔗 https://diabetesresearchconnection.org/danakelly-hampton-she-beeps-and-thats-ok-type-1-diabetes-interview/

There are only a few days left to enter our Diabetes Research Connection Swag Bag Giveaway — and we’re making it even sw...
02/24/2026

There are only a few days left to enter our Diabetes Research Connection Swag Bag Giveaway — and we’re making it even sweeter!

Nouchie Pal has generously donated a needle injection sting reliever to include in this prize package 💙 — designed to help make injection moments feel a little more manageable.

One lucky winner will receive:

👜 DRC tote, pens, pins & stickers
🧬 Scientist Trading Cards featuring real DRC-funded researchers
👩‍⚕️ A Type 1 Diabetes Barbie celebrating visibility in care
❄️ A Nouchie Pal injection comfort tool

Curious about the story behind Nouchie Pal? Check out our interview with the founder in our latest blog post: https://ow.ly/814v50YljXc

How to enter:
1️⃣ Sign up for our newsletter in February
https://ow.ly/WInb50YljXa
2️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments + share this post to your story for an extra entry

Our newsletter is where we share research updates, community stories, and how donor support fuels early-career scientists working toward better treatments — and a cure.

Winner announced the first week of March

Today, our Development Coordinator Brooklynn Hamilton celebrates a milestone the T1D community knows well: her 22-year “...
02/12/2026

Today, our Development Coordinator Brooklynn Hamilton celebrates a milestone the T1D community knows well: her 22-year “diaversary” or the day her life changed forever with a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

She’s celebrating with her T1D bestie—someone who doesn’t just “get it,” but chooses to learn it. Who checks in without pressure, offers love and real understanding, & even keeps Brooklynn’s Dexcom numbers on her phone to better understand what she lives with every day!

In her honor, Brooklynn’s bestie donated $22 today to support the scientists working toward better treatments & ultimately a cure for her.

💙 Join and donate $22 today in honor of Brooklynn and leave her a note she’ll receive by email.
💌Or in this season of love, you can give in honor of someone you love living with T1D on their diaversary or any day you want them to feel supported by clicking donate now on our website.

Address

1400 Maiden Lane
Del Mar, CA
92014

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+18444843372

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