Defeating Diabetes:

Four Projects, One Aim

Defeating Diabetes is a groundbreaking initiative born from the collaboration of the Alberta Diabetes Foundation (ADF), DRIFCan, and the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. This united effort is focused on advancing innovative research projects that have the potential to transform the lives of those affected by diabetes.

The initiative supports four targeted research projects, each addressing a critical aspect of diabetes care and treatment. By focusing on distinct but interconnected areas, this collaboration aims to accelerate progress in improving treatments, enhancing care, and moving closer to a cure.

    • Exploring solutions to manage and ultimately cure the autoimmune condition.

    • Addressing prevention, management, and treatment strategies for those affected.

    • Developing immediate, practical solutions to enhance the quality of life for people with diabetes.

  • Driving research aimed at eradicating diabetes entirely.

It's estimated that about 20% of diabetes cases in Canada remain undiagnosed, meaning many Canadians are unaware of their condition.​

Dr. Jean Buteau

Groundbreaking Research in Beta Cell Regeneration

Dr. Jean Buteau, honored as the Researcher of the Year at the 2024 Hummingbird Awards Gala, is leading the Beta Cell Regeneration Project, a groundbreaking effort aimed at reversing the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). His research focuses on a gene in insulin-producing beta cells that determines whether these cells survive or are destroyed by the disease.

Through the development of an oral drug, this project aims to protect existing beta cells and regenerate those that have been damaged. If successful, this treatment could enable people with diabetes to naturally produce insulin once again. With the project moving into Phase 2 clinical trials, this milestone marks an exciting step toward making this vision a reality.

The advancements of the Beta Cell Regeneration Project have been made possible thanks to the support of the Cosmopolitan Club. Over the past year, the Cosmopolitan Club has played a vital role in helping move this research forward by supporting the extensive preparation required for clinical trials.

The Cosmopolitan Club – Champions of Change

Approximately 300,000 Canadians live with Type 1 diabetes.

Dr. James Shapiro

Stem Cells to Beta Cells – A Journey Toward a Cure

Dr. James Shapiro, renowned for his pioneering work in diabetes treatment, is now leading innovative research focused on the use of stem cells to cure diabetes. His work aims to engineer stem cells taken directly from a patient with diabetes, transforming them into insulin-producing beta cells.

Stem cells, the precursors to all cell types, can be guided to develop into specific cells, such as beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Unlike traditional transplants, this approach eliminates the need for anti-rejection drugs, as the engineered cells are derived from the patient’s own body.

By using stem cells derived from the patient, Dr. Shapiro’s approach could eliminate the need for anti-rejection drugs, addressing a major barrier in diabetes treatment.

Unlocking a Future Without Rejection

Dr. Shapiro’s research holds immense promise for individuals with diabetes, offering a personalized and potentially curative solution. By bypassing the need for immunosuppressive drugs, this approach could not only improve the safety of treatment but also address the shortage of donor cells that limits current transplantation methods.

With his focus now on stem cells, the potential to redefine diabetes treatment is closer than ever, offering new hope for those living with this condition.

Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Dr. Andrea Haqq

Advancing Care for Children & Adolescents

Dr. Haqq is spearheading a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of combining metformin (commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults) with dietary fiber to improve insulin sensitivity in children and adolescents. This marks the first-ever trial of this therapy in a pediatric population.

If successful, this research could significantly enhance our ability to manage childhood obesity and prevent type 2 diabetes, creating a brighter future for children at risk.

Supporting Research With Advanced Technology

Thanks to a generous donation, the Alberta Diabetes Foundation has provided Dr. Haqq’s team with a 3D Optical Body Scanner to support this critical study.

By assessing the body composition of 60 adolescents with and without type 2 diabetes, researchers aim to validate this technology as a quick, accessible, and affordable method to measure body fat, including harmful fat around organs.

This innovative approach has the potential to improve how childhood obesity and diabetes are managed, providing practical tools for both researchers and clinicians to enhance care.

Diabetes costs the Canadian healthcare system approximately $3.4 billion annually in direct costs, with projections indicating a rise to $4.9 billion by 2032.

Dr. Greg Korbutt & Dr. Andrew Pepper

Revolutionizing Islet Cell Transplantation

The Edmonton Protocol, a revolutionary treatment for type 1 diabetes, faces two key challenges: the shortage of donor islet cells and the reliance on anti-rejection medications. Drs. Greg Korbutt and Andrew Pepper are leading the charge to address these barriers with innovative research:

Developing Targeted Anti-Rejection Medication Aiming to create a less invasive, safer alternative to traditional immune suppression.

Exploring Neonatal Porcine Islet Cells Investigating the use of pig islet cells as a safe and limitless supply of insulin-producing cells for transplantation.

These advancements could not only expand access to life-changing transplants but also reduce the lifelong challenges faced by recipients.

Empowering Innovation With Vital Tools

With the support of the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund (ECECAF), Drs. Korbutt and Pepper have acquired a Fluidnatek Electrospinning Machine, a crucial piece of equipment for advancing their research. This machine will enhance the team’s ability to refine their methods and bring their innovative solutions closer to clinical application.

By addressing key challenges in transplantation, this research is paving the way for transformative diabetes care that could benefit countless individuals worldwide.