The FID-ISPAD Diabetes Research Grant, aimed at ISPAD members, focuses on identifying a cure for type 1 diabetes. This includes procedures or therapies that ensure the normalization and maintenance of normal glucose balance without external insulin administration. The grant supports projects on pathogenesis, prediction, prevention, beta-cell replacement, organ and cell transplantation, tissue regeneration, stem cells, and gene therapy. However, it explicitly excludes research on insulin, drugs, glucose sensor technologies, insulin infusers, complications of diabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Conny Gysemans' current research utilizes single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to study the immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes in mouse models and human samples. Her work aims to fine-tune and develop novel disease-modifying therapies, contributing significantly to the quest for a cure for type 1 diabetes.