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There are many meaningful ways to contribute to diabetes research, from financial donations that fund critical studies to volunteering time and expertise for clinical trials. Every effort, big or small, plays a vital role in advancing progress towards a cure.

Hippo & Friends type 1 diabetes fund

Hippo & Friends is a university fund dedicated to advancing research in type 1 diabetes. Founded in 2013, the fund grew out of vzw Hippo and Friends, driven by parents of children with type 1 diabetes who wanted to actively support scientific progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

The fund supports both fundamental research, aimed at understanding the causes and origins of type 1 diabetes, and preclinical research, focused on developing new strategies to prevent or intervene in the disease. By funding innovative research projects within academic settings such as the Leuven Diabetes Lab, Hippo & Friends helps bridge the gap between basic science and future therapies. In addition to research, Hippo & Friends works to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and to support people living with the disease in practical ways. This includes promoting sports and physical activity through initiatives such as diaT1op (www.diaT1op.be), which empowers individuals with type 1 diabetes to pursue their sporting ambitions.

‍Your donation makes a tangible difference. Every contribution helps fund cutting-edge research, raises public awareness, and directly supports programs that improve the daily lives of people with type 1 diabetes. By donating, you are actively helping scientists, patients, and families in the fight against this chronic disease.

Carpe Diem fund for diabetes research

Every year, thousands of Belgians are affected by diabetes, a condition that can strike at any age and take different forms. Beyond the well-known challenges of managing blood sugar, diabetes can have serious long-term consequences, including heart and brain complications. Early detection, careful monitoring, and effective treatment can make a real difference in patients’ lives, but many questions about causes, prevention, and better therapies remain unanswered.

At the Leuven Diabetes Lab, Chantal Mathieu and her team are at the forefront of cutting-edge diabetes research, exploring innovative strategies to understand, prevent, and treat this complex disease. Thanks to the Carpe Diem fund for diabetes research, established in 2010 in honor of Jan Wirix, who has lived with diabetes for over 25 years, supporters can contribute directly to advancing this vital work.

By donating, you help fuel studies that could transform the lives of people living with diabetes today and in the future.