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Diabetes Research Institute’s Inside Our Labs Initiative

The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a global leader in cure-based research, focuses on purely biological therapies that strive to normalize blood sugar levels through natural insulin production. The DRI’s Inside Our Labs initiative gives the public a deeper look into its ground-breaking research.

Through written and video content, Inside Our Labs shows how the DRI uses insulin-producing cell transplants to reduce or eliminate the need for insulin therapy among diabetes patients. In May 2024, Inside Our Labs concentrated on the work of Christopher Fraker, PhD, who marked a significant development in treating type 1 diabetes with transplanted pancreatic islet cells and stem cell-derived beta cells. Both cell types play integral roles in insulin production and the overall control of blood sugar levels.

While Dr. Fraker reports progress, he insists these cell therapies require further testing before clinical use. Beyond Dr. Fraker’s summary update on cell transplant therapy for diabetes, Inside Our Labs provided a link to his full 2023 study, “A static glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (sGSIS) assay that is significantly predictive of time to diabetes reversal in the human islet bioassay” (drc.bmj.com/content/bmjdrc/12/2/e003897.full.pdf).

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Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Delivers $50 Million in Funding

In late 2023, the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) Foundation announced that it was committing $50 million toward efforts to finding a permanent, biological cure to genetically linked type 1 diabetes. The foundation serves as the fundraising arm of an organization that was formed in 1971 by a group of concerned Florida parents who had children with the hereditary disease.

Since its founding, the DRI has evolved into one of the nation’s leading and most comprehensive centers solely focused on diabetes. The aim of its ambitious efforts is to create a reliable approach for safely restoring normal blood sugar levels and insulin production in patients. One major milestone already achieved has been demonstrating that islet transplantation makes insulin therapy for those with type 1 diabetes unnecessary. The focus now is on removing roadblocks that prevent using this effective cell replacement therapy approach for all but those with extremely severe type 1 diabetes.

The DRI Foundation grant is directed toward efforts within the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, which is led by DRI scientific director Dr. Matthias von Herrath. The renowned immunologist describes the funds as providing a significant boost to already aggressive efforts in finally developing an easily accessible treatment.

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An Overview of Diabetes in America

The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to providing DRI with the funding needed to cure diabetes. This chronic disease hinders the body’s ability to convert food into energy. A healthy body breaks food down into sugar molecules, known as glucose, that travel through the bloodstream. As blood levels rise, the body responds by releasing insulin from the pancreas. Insulin adheres to the glucose, allowing the sugar to be used as fuel for various bodily functions.

Individuals living with diabetes struggle to produce adequate amounts of insulin, or the insulin produced does not function properly. In either case, the result is elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes symptoms worsen over time, culminating in severe health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and blindness.

Diabetes can be categorized as type 1 or type 2, in addition to specialized cases such as prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is a poorly understood medical condition defined by the body’s refusal to produce insulin. Researchers believe an autoimmune response disrupts insulin production. Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age. Individuals living with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day.

Type 2 diabetes, meanwhile, develops over time, typically as a result of lifestyle choices. It is prevalent in adults, but an increasing number of American children are being diagnosed with the disease. Type 2 diabetes is prevalent in the United States, between 90 and 95 percent of all diabetes diagnoses.

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs in pregnant women who have not previously experienced the disease. Prediabetes is a health condition with similar symptoms to diabetes. Individuals living with prediabetes are at a severely elevated risk for diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 100 million Americans, or one out of three adults, qualify for prediabetes. About 80 percent of Americans living with prediabetes do not know they have the condition. Individuals who believe they are at risk for prediabetes or diabetes should speak with a physician and explore the CDC-recognized lifestyle change program, available at cdc.org.

As for diabetes, the CDC estimates that roughly 38 million Americans live with diabetes, and as many as 20 percent are unaware of the fact. The condition is a serious health matter in the United States, ranking as the eighth leading cause of death and the number one cause of kidney failure, adult blindness, and lower-limb amputations. Unfortunately, the situation is only worsening: the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in America has more than doubled during the last two decades.

A few notable symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, losing weight, visual disturbances, increased thirst and hunger, and skin irritation. Individuals must adhere to a strict diet and maintain a specific fitness level to minimize how the disease impacts their daily lives. While many people living with the disease live complete lives, diabetes can interfere with work, sexual activity, and other facets of life.

Diabetes also impacts the nation as a whole. The United States spent just under $413 billion on diabetes in 2022, most involving direct medical expenses. The rise of diabetes in America has coincided with the nation’s weight epidemic. Individuals can both minimize their chances of developing the disease and manage symptoms by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.

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The NEXUS Cup in Support of the Tiger Woods Foundation

Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time, with a long career marked by countless victories and records. He is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his commitment to giving back to the community. At the heart of his charitable efforts is the Tiger Woods Foundation (TWF), a nonprofit organization providing young people with the resources and support they need to achieve their dreams. The mission of TWF is to improve the lives of children by driving change, challenging the status quo, and creating an inclusive environment that embraces diversity.

The TWF focuses on programs and resources that can help youth gain skills and obtain access to more educational opportunities. The TGR Learning Labs, available in many US cities including Anaheim, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C., offer hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and college access programs for students from underserved communities.

The educator professional development programs support teachers by enhancing their teaching practices to ensure students receive a high-quality education. The Earl Woods Scholar Program, named after Tiger Woods’ father, offers college scholarships and comprehensive support services to exceptional students facing financial barriers.

Additionally, the TWF created a digital resource library with STEM curricula and programs for college access that help students in grades 6-12 develop skills such as decision-making and problem-solving. The foundation also provides workshops and resources to high school students interested in post-secondary education. In addition, students have access to tools and resources for workforce development and career readiness.

TWF's impact extends beyond its educational programs. The foundation fosters community engagement through golfing events such as The Genesis Invitational, Tiger Jam, and the NEXUS Cup, known as the ultimate amateur golf experience.

The NEXUS Cup debuted in 2019, and quickly became a highlight on the golfing calendar. Amateur golfers can join Tiger Woods in this unique opportunity to play golf in a scenic location and contribute to the community. The NEXUS Cup is invitation-only and accepts 18 teams of four amateur players. The event offers team competition, exclusive gifts, refined cuisine, and evening events. Participants can also shoot holes with golf champions of the caliber of Keegan Bradley, Henrik Stenson, and Gary Woodland.

The NEXUS Cup takes place at Liberty National along the Hudson River, and features views of the New York City skyline. Liberty National, a championship course designed by Tom Kite and Bob Cupp, has hosted many events, including the 2017 Presidents Cup. With its dramatic layout and scenic vistas, the golf club provides the perfect setting for this gathering of golf enthusiasts and philanthropists.

In addition to two days of competitive golf and special guest appearances, the NEXUS Cup includes a welcome reception with carefully selected wines and cocktails, a four-course dinner, entertainment, and an auction. The dinner features performances by renowned celebrities. The 2019 inaugural event starred The Tonight Show Unplugged with Jimmy Fallon and Tiger Woods.

The next NEXUS Cup will take place September 9-10, 2024, when 18 foursomes will compete at Liberty National for a chance to win prizes and play with special guests. Winners of previous tournaments have won golf experiences at Tiger Jam and spots in the Hero World Challenge Pro-Am.

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Facts about Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes is an increasingly widespread health concern. Over 34 million Americans and approximately 463 million individuals globally have diabetes. A serious condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetes occurs when the body either fails to produce enough of the hormone insulin or cannot effectively use it.

Cells in the pancreas, known as islets, create insulin, which facilitates the entry of glucose into cells for energy. The most common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Other variations, such as gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, also exist.

Type 1 diabetes is the most severe form, affecting approximately 5 percent of people with diabetes. Formerly called juvenile diabetes, type 1 typically manifests in two distinct age groups, 4 to 7 and 10 to 14, though it can develop at any age. Several factors contribute to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes, including a family history of the condition and genetics, since certain genes can predispose individuals to type 1 diabetes. Additionally, geographical location may influence risk, with higher rates observed farther from the equator.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. This autoimmune assault on the cells leads to the inability to produce insulin and elevated blood sugar. Without insulin to facilitate the entry of glucose into cells for energy, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream and causes cellular starvation. Untreated, high blood sugar can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and can even lead to coma or death.

The warning signs of type 1 diabetes can manifest suddenly. Symptoms include increased thirst; frequent urination, which may lead to bed-wetting in toilet-trained children; rapid and unexplained weight loss; extreme hunger, fatigue, or weakness; unusual irritability; blurred vision; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; bad breath; and itchy skin.

A blood test can diagnose diabetes. If doctors suspect type 1 diabetes, they may also conduct blood tests to detect autoantibodies, which signify the body's immune system attacking itself. These autoantibodies are typically present in type 1 but not type 2 diabetes. Urine testing can check for ketones, which indicate type 1 diabetes.

Treatment for type 1 diabetes is typically daily insulin injections or an insulin pump or similar device. However, determining the correct insulin dosage can be challenging and depends on factors such as diet, activity level, and stress.

Taking too much insulin can lead to hypoglycemia, a life-threatening condition characterized by dangerously low blood sugar. Conversely, insufficient insulin can result in hyperglycemia, with dangerously elevated sugar levels.

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and hypertension. Nerve damage can cause discomfort, pregnancy complications, and erectile dysfunction. Kidney damage may necessitate dialysis or transplantation. Eye complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, can cause blindness.

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels can mitigate many of these risks. Fortunately, modern medicine offers various devices to help maintain optimal blood sugar levels.

No method is available to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, ongoing research aims to prevent the disease or halt the deterioration of islet cells in people with type 1. Research for a cure for diabetes continues.

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Allan L. Pashcow is a managing partner and owner at the Town Realty Co, LLC Roslyn Heights, New York.

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The Advantages of an IREM CPM Certificate

Allan L. Pashcow is the owner of Town Realty Co, where he also serves as the managing partner. With a history in real estate, Allan L. Pashcow earned his Certified Property Manager (CPM) certificate from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). IREM is an international organization for property and asset managers that provides comprehensive training to meet complex issues in real estate management. CPMs are two times more likely to make double the average property manager income in the United States. The knowledge gained from this program pushes property managers further in their careers. Most CPM holders have higher-level positions. Not only do you elevate your professional persona, but you also build a network and enjoy all the benefits of being part of the IREM community. Thanks to its members, IREM is one of the biggest international voices for real estate management for more than 85 years. IREM offers networking opportunities, courses, tools, and advocacy. The community provides advertisement and sponsorship opportunities to companies and individuals, as well.

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Young Families Should Consider Getting a Home

As managing partner and owner of Town Realty Co, Allan L. Pashcow is responsible for supervising property managers. Allan L. Pashcow’s company manages apartments, owning more than 1,400 rental apartment units on Long Island. Long Island is one of New York’s most well-known regions. It’s a short commute to Brooklyn, boasts beautiful beaches, and manages to strike the right urban-suburban mix. When it comes to picking the right location to call home, there are a few essential requirements. One must consider affordability, quality of schools, safety, types of property, attractions, and activities in the area. Massapequa is one part of Long Island that seems to tick all the boxes. Especially a good pick for a young family, Massapequa has six different elementary schools and a good selection of high-ranking schools. Massapequa offers its residents access to local parks with great hiking routes. Another bonus is Massapequa Cove, which is still one of the best fishing spots around New York. All these outdoor activities in an upscale area with good schools make it one of the best locations for young families.