Your Impact

Fuelling the Future of Diabetes Research in Alberta

At the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, your support fuels groundbreaking research, improves care for those affected by diabetes, and empowers the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals. Every donation—whether large or small—drives progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

The Reality of Diabetes

  • Rising Prevalence

    Over 403,000 Albertans live with diabetes.

  • Increasing Rates

    Diabetes cases in Alberta have grown by 58% in the last decade.

  • Broad Impact

    More than 1.18 million Albertans are living with diabetes or pre diabetes.

  • Global Concern

    Diabetes is expected to affect 7.3 million Canadians by 2029.

What Your Support Has Achieved

These milestones didn’t happen by chance—they happened because people like you chose to care, to give, and to believe in what’s possible. Here’s what your support has helped make real in the past year.

Today, thanks to your generous contributions, we are paving the way for future breakthroughs by supporting promising talent, funding cutting-edge projects, and fostering a brighter future for those affected by diabetes.

  • Thanks to donor support, ADF funded 6 innovative diabetes research projects—with topics ranging from anti-rejection therapy to beta cell regeneration. These projects reflect Alberta’s leadership in bold, impactful science.

  • Your generosity created 4 graduate studentships in diabetes research. These scholarships help cultivate Alberta’s next generation of scientific leaders.

  • We supported one Alberta Diabetes Foundation Scholar, an emerging researcher working on promising diabetes care solutions. This investment ensures the future of discovery remains bright.

  • We helped launch this initiative to support 4 high-impact projects targeting type 1, type 2, and cure-focused research. It’s a collaborative push toward real change.

  • Donors helped us purchase a 3D optical body scanner for Dr. Haqq’s pediatric clinical trial. This technology enhances the way we study obesity and diabetes in children.

  • IFunding from ADF purchased a Fluidnatek electrospinning machine—used by transplant researchers to develop anti-rejection cell therapies.

  • Dr. Jean Buteau, funded in part by ADF, was named 2024 Researcher of the Year for his breakthrough work in beta cell regeneration.

    The project has now reached the clinical trial stage, testing a drug that could help the body produce insulin again—made possible by donors who believed in the science from the very beginning.

  • From car shows to raffles, our community-led events uplift and unite, while raising vital funds and awareness. Together, they’ve generated over $1.6 million in support of diabetes research across Alberta.

Timeline of Support

2004 – $210,420
Our first official year of funding.

2005 – $200,000
Momentum builds with stronger support.

2007 – $200,000
Steady investment in growing research.

2008 – $500,000
A major leap forward.

2010 – $885,589
Backing real-world impact.

2011 – $531,000
Small grant. Big difference.

2012 – $936,113
Supporting care-focused research.

2013 – $582,000
Continued commitment.

2014 – $801,000
Fueling new talent.

2015 – $626,894
Innovation in action.

2016 – $284,109
Strong support for emerging ideas.

2017 – $403,668
A high-impact year.

2018 – $320,990
Driving better outcomes.

2019 – $397,092
Research without pause.

2020 – $104,668
Staying strong through uncertainty.

2021 – $236,000
Advancing regenerative science.

2022 – $231,000
Funding that moves the dial.

2023 – $720,822
Our biggest year yet.

2024 – $1,000,000
A million-dollar milestone.

Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation

  • IsletCore in Edmonton has distributed over 49 million islet cells to 138 research laboratories worldwide, fuelling global advancements in diabetes care.

  • The Canada Islet Research & Training Network—coordinated by the Alberta Diabetes Institute—facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge research across multiple institutions.

  • Alberta’s research leadership continues to shape global standards in diabetes prevention, treatment, and care.

Driving Global & National Impact

Dr. Raymond Rajotte – Pioneer of the Edmonton Protocol and a global leader in islet cell transplantation.

Donate. Support. Cure.

Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes. Every donation brings us closer to improved treatments and a future without diabetes.