JDRF announced today that it launched the Type 1 Diabetes Index (T1D Index) data simulation tool for measuring the impact of T1D around the globe.
The tool measures the human and public health impact type 1 diabetes has in every country. JDRF said it addresses wide gaps in data about the incidence and impact of the condition.
By leveraging data and insights from the index, attainable, country-by-country interventions may be attained. These interventions, including timely diagnosis, accessible care and funding research, could lead to cures. No cure currently exists for type 1 diabetes, JDRF said.
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology published the JDRF index and accompanying research.
“As a member of the T1D community, I know many are not as fortunate as I am to have the resources necessary to live a healthy and fulfilled life,” Aaron Kowalski, JDRF CEO, said. “This is why I am so proud that significant progress has been made to understand T1D’s global impact through the T1D Index. We are calling on government and public health decision makers throughout the world to utilize the tool to identify and implement interventions that can change the trajectory of T1D.”
Experts help to build index
JDRF collaborated with partners and global experts to develop its T1D Index. It used results from a global survey of more than 500 endocrinologists and 400 publications to simulate the state of T1D.
The index highlights “missing people” who represent the number of people who would still be alive today if they had not died early due to complications from T1D. It also identifies “healthy years lost,” effectively determining time lost to ill health, disability or early death related to T1D.
According to JDRF, simulations suggest that more than 3.86 million “missing people” exist as of 2022. People “lose” an average of 32 “healthy years” to T1D if diagnosed at age 10.
Potential improvements for the T1D community
The organization said that the index leads to timely diagnosis by enabling better education and training for medical professionals. Additionally, JDRF said it creates barrier-free access to insulin and blood glucose testing strips.
It also ensures that everyone with T1D has access to technology that automates glucose monitoring (like CGM devices) and insulin delivery, such as pumps. JDRF said its index makes the case for further investment and research in emerging prevention, treatments and cures.
JDRF said that, once users identify interventions, they can take action by sharing data and findings with networks and local decision makers.
The T1D Index is supported by founding corporate sponsor, Abbott, with additional support from Lilly, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. JDRF plans for the index to expand to include T1D’s impact on economic costs, mental health and quality of life. The data will also be broken down at regional and demographic levels.
