Women Leading the Way in the Fight Against Type 1 Diabetes
March is Women’s History Month — a time to recognize the women who have shaped history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and care.
Within the type 1 diabetes community, women have played an extraordinary role in advancing science, strengthening support systems, and building powerful communities of advocacy. From pioneering researchers to nonprofit leaders, caregivers, and individuals living with the disease themselves, women are helping shape the future of type 1 diabetes every day.
Touched by Type 1 is proud to be part of that story.
The Researchers and Doctors Advancing the Science
The progress we see in type 1 diabetes research today builds on decades of discovery. From the earliest breakthroughs in understanding insulin to the cutting-edge immunology and prevention trials happening today, women have played a critical role in advancing the science.
Foundational Breakthroughs
Some of the most important early contributions to diabetes research came from women who helped unlock the scientific understanding that modern treatments rely on today.
One of the most influential figures was Dr. Dorothy Hodgkin, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who determined the three-dimensional structure of insulin using X-ray crystallography in 1969. Her work helped scientists better understand how insulin functions at the molecular level and paved the way for modern insulin development and diabetes treatments.
Women across chemistry, biology, and medicine helped establish the scientific foundation that diabetes researchers continue to build on today — demonstrating that the pursuit of knowledge has always been strengthened by diverse voices and perspectives.
Modern Leaders in Type 1 Diabetes Research
Today, women continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of type 1 diabetes care.
Researchers like Dr. Denise Faustman are exploring immunotherapy approaches that could potentially restore insulin production by targeting the autoimmune response that drives the disease. Dr. Carla Greenbaum, a global leader in type 1 diabetes clinical research and prevention trials, has helped advance studies aimed at identifying the disease earlier and slowing its progression.
Across laboratories, universities, and medical institutions around the world, women are leading clinical trials, developing new technologies, and expanding our understanding of how type 1 diabetes develops and how it can be better treated.
Their work represents the persistence, curiosity, and bold thinking that drives scientific progress forward.
A Mission Founded by Determination
Touched by Type 1 itself began with the determination of a young woman who understood firsthand what it means to live with type 1 diabetes.
Founder Elizabeth Forrest was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child. Growing up with the condition shaped her understanding of both the challenges and the strength within the diabetes community.
Rather than letting the diagnosis define her limits, Elizabeth chose to turn her experience into action.
She founded Touched by Type 1 with a vision of creating a stronger support system for individuals and families navigating the disease — a place where education, community, and empowerment could come together – All in pursuit of a cure.
What began as one woman’s determination to make a difference has grown into a nonprofit organization that supports thousands of individuals through education programs, community events, and advocacy efforts focused on improving life with type 1 diabetes for over twenty-five years.
Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership can begin at any age, and that the impact of one determined girl’s voice can grow into a lifechanging movement.
The Women Behind the Mission
Today, the work of Touched by Type 1 continues thanks to a dedicated team — many of whom are women — who help move the mission forward every day.
From developing programs and organizing community events to providing support and sharing stories from the diabetes community, these women play an essential role in keeping the organization strong and connected to the people it serves.
But the impact of women in the type 1 diabetes community extends far beyond any one organization.
It includes the countless mothers, caregivers, advocates, researchers, and healthcare professionals who dedicate their time and energy to supporting those living with the disease.
Women who are counting carbohydrates at the dinner table.
Women who are waking up in the middle of the night to check blood sugar levels.
Women who are balancing careers, families, and daily life while managing a condition that requires constant attention and care.
Women at the Heart of the Type 1 Diabetes Community
Type 1 diabetes is a global condition affecting millions of people. According to global epidemiology research and the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 9 million people worldwide live with type 1 diabetes — meaning millions of women across the world are living with and managing the disease every day.
They are navigating careers, relationships, families, and communities while balancing the constant responsibility that comes with managing type 1 diabetes.
Women have always played a powerful role in shaping the story of type 1 diabetes.
They are scientists driving discovery. They are founders building communities. They are healthcare professionals improving care. They are caregivers offering unwavering support. And they are individuals living with type 1 diabetes themselves — showing every day what resilience truly looks like.
Throughout Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women whose leadership, research, advocacy, and strength continue to move the fight against type 1 diabetes forward.
And Touched by Type 1 proud to stand alongside them.
