The first stage of building the Exchange has involved assembling a network of clinical centers caring for people with type 1 diabetes. The 50+ centers are found throughout the U.S., encompassing both university-based and community-based sites, urban and rural areas and a diverse range of racial and ethnic groups. The existence of the clinical network will foster the rapid development and dissemination of studies designed to improve the care and lives of people with type 1 diabetes. The patient population and datasets will be expanded through the web and mobile platforms.

"We have very little data on a large scale that tells us how people with diabetes are living with their disease. This new exchange will certainly accelerate the search for new therapies, but it will also help us understand how people are responding to the treatments and other interventions we have now." said Dr. George Eisenbarth, Executive Director of the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine and Immunology at the University of Colorado Denver.

Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. This condition currently affects an estimated one to three million Americans. Most cases develop in children. In the past, type 1 diabetes was referred to as juvenile diabetes. According to a 2010 study by Erasmus University, type 1 diabetes costs the United States over $14 billion per year in medical expenses and lost income.

The Jaeb Center has retained Health Advances, LLC, based in Waltham, Mass., Springboard, Inc., based in Cambridge, Mass., and Asynchrony Solutions, Inc., based in St. Louis, Mo., to support the development of the Exchange.

SOURCE The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust