The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is the lead institute for coordinating and conducting research to prevent and cure type 1 diabetes and its complications, although several other institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies play key roles in the diabetes research enterprise. Below and on the following pages in this section, JDRF has highlighted a handful of specific, extraordinary opportunities for future research based on the NIDDK's findings.

Genetic & Environmental Causes of Type 1 Diabetes — It is hoped that the next phase of prediction studies will allow the identification of type 1 diabetes susceptible individuals so that all at-risk individuals can benefit from trials to prevent type 1 diabetes before it develops. Read more...

Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes — Researchers are using new data and resources to design advanced prediction and prevention studies that seek to attack the disease before it begins. Read more...

Cell Replacement — Advances in islet transplantation have been extraordinary since the procedure was attempted in the mid-1980s. Read more...

Hypoglycemia & Artificial Pancreas — Hypoglycemia--dangerously low blood sugar--is the most feared acute complication of diabetes and can lead to shaking, confusion, convulsions, coma, or even death in extreme cases. Read more...

Complications — Researchers continue to search for new ways to treat complications caused by type 1 diabetes, including eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease. Read more...

Benefits to Other Diseases — Because of the multifaceted nature of the disease, type 1 diabetes has much in common with many other conditions. Finding common ground between type 1 diabetes research and other fields will accelerate the search for cures that extend well beyond the type 1 diabetes population. Read more...