Skip to main content

JDRF has now rebranded to Breakthrough T1D.
Our name has changed, our mission has not.

Our research

One day, we will create a world without type 1 diabetes. Until that day, your support is vital for our international research to cure, treat and prevent type 1.

A type 1 diabetes researcher working on a beta cells project, in the lab.

What research does Breakthrough T1D UK fund?

We fund international research that will cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes and its complications. We focus on investing in research that will transform the lives of people with type 1 diabetes – improving treatments today until we find a cure.

Gene double helix being researched blue icon
400+

Over 400 active research studies are being funded by Breakthrough T1D UK around the world

Globe with country map centred on Europe blue icon
21

Breakthrough T1D UK-funded research is currently taking place in 21 countries

Microscope blue icon
20

At any one time, Breakthrough T1D UK is funding around 20 research projects in the UK

Learn about our research

Discover how we’re working to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes

Recent research highlights

Read more
A girl with type 1 diabetes after a teplizumab injection
Treatments

Teplizumab: The world’s first type 1 diabetes disease-modifying drug approved in the US

The US FDA recently approved a drug that can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes for up to three years, called teplizumab. This success wouldn’t have happened without 30 years of Breakthrough T1D UK funding research.

Read more
Illustration of the hybrid closed loop technology system, funded as part of treatment research for type 1 diabetes by Breakthrough T1D UK.
Treatments

Hybrid closed loop to be recommended for over 100,000 people with type 1 diabetes

Since 2006, we have funded research to develop and test hybrid closed loop (HCL) technology, which links people's insulin pump to their continuous glucose monitor. Now, HCL is set to become available to many people on the NHS.

Read more
Microscopic view of stem cells
Cure

Promising stem cell therapy for type 1 given green light to progress

For over 20 years, we funded Professor Doug Melton to grow stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells. Doug now works at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, who are running a clinical trial transplanting Doug’s lab-grown beta cells into people with type 1.

Latest research projects

Read more
Researcher Dr Tom Wylie, a pale person with a beard and glasses.
Prevention

How can we better understand mental health risks in people with type 1 diabetes?

Dr Tom Wylie’s pioneering research project investigating the psychological impact of type 1 diabetes (T1D), in partnership with the Daphne Jackson Trust.

Read more
A photo of Professor Kathleen Gillespie, a researcher investigating pancreatic function in type 1 diabetes.
Prevention

What causes immune cells to attack beta cells in the pancreas?

Dr Kathleen Gillespie and her team are researching how signalling molecules help coordinate immune cell attacks on the pancreas, contributing to T1D development.

Read more
A photo of Professor Kathleen Gillespie, a researcher investigating pancreatic function in type 1 diabetes.
Prevention

What can pancreatic function tell us about how quickly type 1 diabetes develops?

Dr Kathleen Gillespie and her team will investigate whether existing tests could help predict how quickly a person in the early stages of T1D will progress.

Read more
A photo of Dr Matthew Anson, a researcher funded by Breakthrough T1D and Novo Nordisk UK Research Foundation.
Treatment

Can hybrid closed loop technology affect eye problems in type 1 diabetes?

Dr Matthew Anson is studying whether hybrid closed loop technology, also known as an artificial pancreas, affects the worsening of diabetic eye disease.

Read more
A photo of researcher Dr Samet Sahin in his science lab.
Treatment

Engineering a device to measure how much insulin someone is making

Dr Samet Sahin is developing a simple tool to allow healthcare professionals to quickly and easily check someone’s C-peptide levels, a measure of how much insulin they are releasing.

Read more
Treatment

Studying cells in the pancreas to help prevent low blood glucose in type 1 diabetes

Dr Thomas George Hill is studying a type of pancreatic islet cell, called a delta cell, which he thinks could be targeted with a treatment to help prevent low blood glucose in type 1 diabetes.

Read more
A photo of Dr Rebecca Dewhurst-Trigg smiling and wearing a black top.
Prevention

Could islet helper cells in the pancreas delay or prevent type 1 diabetes?

Dr Rebecca Dewhurst-Trigg is investigating how supportive cells called mesenchymal stromal cells may help protect insulin-making beta cells from being destroyed in type 1 diabetes.

Read more
A photo of Dr Richard Pulsford.
Treatment

Developing a simple tool to help people with type 1 diabetes exercise

Dr Richard Pulsford is developing a visual tool for people with type 1 diabetes that predicts the likelihood of their blood glucose going too low during exercise

Stories from the lab

Latest research news

Read more
Scientist researcher woman in white coat using microscope in laboratory
Research
1 July 2025

New trial results show potential protection against kidney damage in young adults  

A recent study has shown that a treatment currently used for type 2 diabetes could be used to help prevent kidney damage in young adults with type 1

Read more
Grid of unbranded vials of insulin with purple tops
Research
27 June 2025

Update on NovoRapid PumpCart supply for YpsoPump users

We’re aware of growing concern around insulin supply in the UK, and we want to reassure our community that this is not a general insulin shortage. There is no need to change the type of insulin you use.

Read more
A woman researcher at work in a lab
Research
24 June 2025

Six-month clinical data shows engineered islets can exist without immunosuppression

New data from Sana Biotechnology, in collaboration with Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden, shows that six months post-transplant, one person with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is successfully producing insulin and does not require immunosuppression.

Read more
Vertex Pharmaceuticals logo graphic
Research
23 June 2025

Vertex trial of Zimislecel cellular therapy enables ten of 12 participants to remain insulin independent

US-based company Vertex have published promising figures from their cell therapy trial, showing advancements in stem cell research.

Our research partnerships

We work with researchers and partner organisations to make sure we can improve life with type 1 diabetes as quickly as possible. Learn about the research we do in partnership with other organisations.

Read more

Our research partnerships

Discover how we work with other organisations to help us make every penny we receive from our amazing supporters go even further to help people with type 1.

Read more
Connect Immune Research partnership logo

Connect Immune Research

Learn about how we're partnering with other autoimmune research funders, pooling our resources to help prevent and cure a range of autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes.

Read more
A woman type 1 diabetes scientist in a laboratory

The Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge

The Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge is a partnership between the Steve Morgan Foundation, Diabetes UK and Breakthrough T1D UK. We are united by our ambition to cure type 1 diabetes.