Amaranth Diabetes Foundation Presents $500,000 Donation To The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation To Sponsor Four Promising Projects In Diabetes Research

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation received a $505,623 donation from the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation (ADF). The donation marks the 36^th consecutive year ADFthe philanthropic arm of the Order of the Amaranthhas provided financial support for American Diabetes Association research grants, with contributions totaling nearly $15 million over this period. This year's ADF contributions were amplified in teaming with the Association for a matching gift campaign. Through this campaign, the Association engaged 13,000 people in joining the Amaranth to support diabetes research. This effort raised an additional $381,483.

"As a person with diabetes, I'm grateful for the research and technology made possible by generous contributions such as those from the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation to the American Diabetes Association Research Foundation", said Janel Wright, JD, chair of the board at the American Diabetes Association in a speech delivered to the Amaranth when she accepted the donation on behalf of the Association. "The research supported by organizations like ADF has led to advances that have improved my life and the lives of nearly 30 million people in the United States with diabetes."

Funding the highest-quality diabetes research is the continued aim of ADF's donations. The American Diabetes Association utilizes an independent peer-review process, performed by leading diabetes scientists to approve grants for funding. This process ensures that ADF donations support the best diabetes research available. The ADF is sponsoring the following four peer-reviewed research projects.

• Jeffrey S. Elmendorf, PhD, of Indiana University, is leading research aimed at better understanding the connections between cholesterol and diabetes. This study may support the use of new or existing cholesterol-lowering medications in certain people with diabetes.
• Lawrence A. Lavery, DPM, of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, is leading a clinical study on improving wound therapy to reduce amputations. The study of improved therapies to eradicate infection and speed healing will give surgeons evidence-based treatment options to improve limb reconstruction and salvage.
• Laura Cristina Alonso, MD, of University of Massachusetts Medical School, is leading research to identify how beta cells work differently in people carrying DNA sequences associated with high-risk of developing diabetes to those with low-risk. The long-term goal of this project is to better understand the various causes of diabetes and to identify patients who might benefit from a particular therapy based on their DNA, offering people with diabetes personalized options best-suited to treat them.
• Michelle Perfect, PhD, of University of Arizona, is leading a clinical study into the effects of sleep on managing type 1 diabetes in youth. Results of this study are expected to inform clinical recommendations for considering the amount and quality of sleep in diabetes management.

"We feel that the projects selected will make the most use of every dollar in our contribution, and will lead to valuable scientific discoveries that will help people with diabetes live more comfortable lives, said Elizabeth Herbolsheimer, president of the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation Diabetes. "Diabetes has touched almost every Amaranth member in one way or another. We have members who have diabetes and members with children, grandchildren, and other loved ones who have diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes motivates our nationwide fundraisers on a personal level, which made engaging 13,000 people in the matching gift campaign such a special opportunity for us. We want to do everything in our power to help stop this devastating disease."

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association