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Breakthrough T1D Summit: A Call to Action on Type 1 Diabetes

In August 2025, the city of Udaipur, India, witnessed a landmark event when Breakthrough T1D International, formerly known as JDRF, hosted a significant summit aimed at addressing the pressing issues surrounding Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This summit was not just an ordinary meeting; it served as a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together influential leaders and advocates dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by this chronic condition.

Hosted by Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar, founder of Friends of Mewar and a global ambassador for Breakthrough T1D, the two-day event gathered government officials, healthcare professionals, community advocates, and international organizations. The primary focus was clear: there is an urgent need to enhance early diagnosis, improve access to insulin and healthcare, and reduce the stigma faced by individuals living with T1D.

Urgent Need for Change

Princess Padmaja, diagnosed with T1D at a young age, passionately addressed the attendees, emphasizing the integral role of timely healthcare access and education in managing diabetes. “Collaboration is key to breaking down barriers,” she stated. The collective agreement among summit participants underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to provide the necessary support for individuals living with this condition.

One of the noteworthy presentations was an update on the T1D Basic Care Pilot Program, a collaboration between Breakthrough T1D and the William J. Clinton Foundation. This program has already shown promising results in improving the availability of insulin and glucose monitoring tools in public healthcare settings across India.

Strengthening Community Support

The ImPatient Network, a coalition of T1D advocates from different regions, played a pivotal role at the summit by presenting the experiences and challenges faced by people living with T1D in India. Jyotsana Rangeen, the Network’s lead, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to connect stakeholders during the summit. “This event serves as a platform to showcase programs that are genuinely making a difference for those with T1D,” she said.

Lynn Starr, the Chief Global Advocacy Officer at Breakthrough T1D, highlighted the organization's mission of accelerating breakthroughs in T1D research, treatment, and community support. She noted the alarming barriers many individuals face in India regarding access to care and education about diabetes management. “It’s essential not just to offer insulin but also to provide comprehensive support systems to combat everyday challenges,” Starr added.

Additionally, Dr. Thomas Danne, Chief Medical Officer at Breakthrough T1D, shared valuable insights on ongoing research efforts. Emphasizing the importance of clinical education, he assured participants that their commitment extends beyond immediate solutions. “Our goal is to ensure that when potential cures become available, they can be accessed by everyone, regardless of geography or financial status.”

A Vision for the Future

As the summit concluded, Princess Padmaja reaffirmed the necessity for continued innovation, investment, and partnership in T1D care, stressing that no individual with T1D in India should be overlooked or unsupported. The message was resounding: it’s time for concerted action to change how Type 1 Diabetes is perceived and managed in communities across the nation.

Breakthrough T1D: More than Just Advocacy

Breakthrough T1D, as the leading global organization focused on T1D, aims to enhance daily management for individuals living with this condition while striving for a cure. Their initiatives involve not only advocating for essential medical support and resources but also educating and empowering affected individuals and their families. The organization has been at the forefront, fostering advancements in T1D research, knocking down social stigmas, and promoting health education.

For those interested in learning more about Breakthrough T1D’s ongoing efforts, further details can be found on their official website: www.BreakthroughT1D.org.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder that severely affects the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin. This chronic condition necessitates regular insulin therapy, with risks of various complications if not managed appropriately. Notably, T1D can emerge at any age, occurring in both childhood and adulthood. Global statistics show that nearly 9 million individuals live with T1D worldwide, illustrating the urgent need for better awareness, support, and treatment across all communities. Unfortunately, despite ongoing research, no definitive cure exists yet, although advancements are being made.

The Udaipur summit marked a crucial step toward a unified approach to Type 1 Diabetes, showcasing the efforts being made to increase awareness, improve care accessibility, and eliminate the stigma associated with this life-altering condition.