Understanding Disease-Modifying Therapies: What JDRF is Working Toward

Disease-modifying therapies aim to slow or stop Type 1 diabetes before symptoms appear. JDRF researchers are connecting screening efforts with clinical testing to make these treatments available to people in early stages of the disease.

Community video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research

Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.

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Key takeaways

Disease-modifying therapies are designed to intervene in Type 1 diabetes before a person shows symptoms
Universal screening for Type 1 diabetes helps identify people at risk, creating populations for testing new therapies
JDRF's research priorities include screening, beta cell replacement, improving outcomes for people with Type 1, and training the next generation of researchers
Screening and disease-modifying therapy development are closely linked—new therapies need large groups of people to test them

What Are Disease-Modifying Therapies?

Disease-modifying therapies represent a class of treatments designed to slow, delay, or stop the progression of Type 1 diabetes before a person develops symptoms. Unlike insulin therapy, which manages blood sugar after diagnosis, these therapies target the underlying disease process itself.

According to JDRF researchers, developing effective disease-modifying therapies is one of the organization's major research priorities. The goal is to intervene early—before the immune system has destroyed enough insulin-producing beta cells to cause noticeable symptoms.

Why Screening Matters for New Treatments

For disease-modifying therapies to be tested and approved, researchers need large groups of people who are at risk but have not yet developed Type 1 diabetes. This is where universal screening becomes essential.

JDRF is working to expand screening programs that can identify people in early stages of the disease—those whose immune systems are attacking beta cells but who have not yet experienced the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. These screening efforts create cohorts of people available for clinical trials of new therapies.

JDRF's Broader Research Strategy

Disease-modifying therapies are part of a larger research agenda at JDRF. The organization is simultaneously pursuing universal screening to reduce diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis, developing beta cell replacement products to extend periods of insulin independence, and improving overall outcomes and quality of life for people already living with Type 1 diabetes.

JDRF researchers emphasize that investing in the next generation of talent is vital to achieving these goals. By training new scientists and clinicians, JDRF aims to accelerate progress across all these research areas.

Evidence label

Source: YouTube community video. Evidence type: Community video — lay discussion, not peer-reviewed research. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

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