Dear Friends,
November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to honor the strength and resilience of those living with diabetes, and to recognize the vital research, education, and clinical care that continue to improve lives and drive progress.
At Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI), we are committed to transforming the future of diabetes through bold research, community-driven education, and compassionate care. Every advancement—from innovative clinical trials to programs that promote prevention and early detection—is made possible by your generosity and engagement. Your support fuels every step forward.
During this month of global awareness and action, thank you for being part of SDRI’s community of discovery. Together, we are pushing boundaries and creating a future where people impacted by diabetes can thrive.
Yours in Purpose and Progress,
Elizabeth Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
Welcoming Dr. Andrew S. Rhinehart, MD, FACP, FACE, CDCES as SDRI's Chief Scientific and Medical Officer
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Rhinehart to SDRI. His deep expertise in diabetes and strong connections across the U.S. device and biopharma sectors bring a powerful blend of clinical insight and strategic vision. He will help SDRI advance industry partnerships for pre- and post-market studies, strengthen investigator-initiated research, and expand our scientific enterprise.
Read our full press release here.
SDRI's Taste of the Vine Raises $508,000 to Advance Diabetes Research and Care
Taste of the Vine 2025 was a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity of our community. Your support fuels SDRI’s groundbreaking research and life-changing community programs - and helps SDRI turn bold ideas into real-world solutions for people impacted by diabetes.
📸 View event photos here
Research in Action: Advancing Clinical Trials
SDRI is leading the way in clinical innovation, conducting trials that deliver real solutions for people with diabetes. Last year, more than 600 participants joined SDRI clinical trials that advanced safer, more effective treatments and technologies.
You may qualify for our current studies if you are:
- Hispanic and live with type 1 diabetes
- Between the ages of 1 and 70 years old and have type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Over the age of 18 years old and have a HbA1c of greater than 7.0%
- Currently pregnant and diagnosed with gestational diabetes
Screen & Treat: Early Detection for a Healthier Future
SDRI’s Screen and Treat program raises awareness of the importance of early detection for type 1 diabetes and helps reduce the risks associated with delayed diagnosis.
As part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, SDRI will host a free diabetes antibody screening clinic on:
- Friday, November 14
- 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- 5425 Hollister Ave, Suite 230, Santa Barbara, CA
Your Generosity in Action: The 2024 Impact Report
Explore our 2024 Impact Report, highlighting that together – with our dedicated team, generous supporters, and global collaborators – we are building a future where better treatments, earlier interventions, and ultimately prevention are within reach.
Decades of Dedication: The Crawford Family
For over 30 years, Tom and Nancy Crawford have been pillars of support for SDRI, driven by a deeply personal connection to diabetes. Their lifetime giving now exceeds $2 million, with the majority directed toward our Innovative Research, Inspiring Hope campaign. Their extraordinary generosity is transforming our research facilities and fueling the next generation of scientific discovery.
A Legacy of Impact: The Ogle Family
The Ogle family’s deep commitment to SDRI is both personal and powerful. Inspired by their son Beckett, who lives with type 1 diabetes, they have now contributed a remarkable $1 million to Innovative Research, Inspiring Hope campaign. Their recent $500,000 gift honors the memory of Jean Ogle, a beloved matriarch who passed away earlier this year and was deeply devoted to philanthropy. This extraordinary generosity is accelerating scientific progress and helping build a top-tier facility for diabetes innovation.