About us

Type One Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, envisions a world free from the burden of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Central to our mission is the Type One Cares Campaign, which raises awareness and funds to support and empower those affected by T1D. We offer financial aid, support, education, and empowerment, guiding individuals to lead powerful lives beyond the diagnosis. We actively champion the life-changing research of the Faustman Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital, advancing toward a cure for T1D.

Our vision is to create a world where type 1 diabetes no longer exists. We’re dedicated to funding research aimed at curing T1D and ensuring that those impacted by the condition have the necessary support to lead fulfilling lives. By raising awareness, providing assistance, and fostering global solidarity, we strive to combat the stigma surrounding diabetes and unite the T1D community worldwide.

Executive board

Paul Foti
Co-founder, Type One, Inc.

Tyson Sunnerberg
Co-founder, Type One, Inc.

Richard Bowen
Founder and President, Honey Dew Associates

Chloe McKee
Financial Planner, Commonwealth Financial Group

Scott Sanborn
EVP, Commercial Lending, HarborOne Bank

Thomas P. Holland
Partner, Wealth Advisor, Global Vision Advisors, LLC

The Type One Cares Campaign: Relief. Support. Hope.

T1D brings with it not just a daily fight for health—but often a heavy financial burden. The Type One Cares Campaign is our promise to ease that burden for families in need.

Through generous donations, we offer scholarships and financial assistance to cover life-sustaining expenses—such as insulin, medical supplies, emergency care, travel to specialists, and more. We also provide scholarships for summer camps and higher education, giving children and teens with T1D opportunities to thrive and grow.

Your support makes these efforts possible. Every donation provides critical aid today while helping us pursue a cure for tomorrow.

Empowering Those Living With T1D

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin. Managing it is a 24/7 responsibility—and without the right tools, the risk of serious complications like kidney failure or blindness is very real.

With your help, Type One provides the supplies, education, and care that make effective diabetes management possible. Early and consistent access to support dramatically reduces long-term risks and improves quality of life.

Camp Scholarships: A Life-Changing Experience

Our camp scholarship program helps children with T1D attend local residential diabetes camps—safe, supportive environments where they can form friendships, build confidence, and develop crucial self-care skills.

This summer, with your support, children across our region will experience the joy and empowerment of camp, despite the financial challenges their families may face.

Educational Scholarships: Building Brighter Futures

Each year, we award $1,000 Type One Cares Scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are living with T1D or have a sibling who is. These scholarships support their pursuit of higher education at colleges, universities, or technical schools—and reflect our belief that T1D should never stand in the way of a student’s dreams.

Fueling Research, Finding a Cure

We are honored to champion the work of the Faustman Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital, whose pioneering research is charting the path toward a cure. Supporting their progress means investing in a future where no child or adult has to endure the challenges of this disease.

Type One Fitness: Moving Toward Better Health

Our commitment to health doesn’t stop at support and research—it extends into daily life. Type One Fitness, our inclusive wellness center, promotes movement and activity as vital tools for managing diabetes.

Research shows that physical activity significantly improves blood sugar control and reduces long-term health risks in people with diabetes. From structured fitness programs to community-based wellness initiatives, we help individuals take charge of their health every day.

Why a Cure Matters – Mary’s Story

“May 5th, 2021, changed our lives forever,” recalls Michelle, whose daughter Mary was diagnosed with T1D at just six years old.

“At first we thought she had a sore throat or maybe the flu. But what we didn’t know was that Mary was already in severe diabetic ketoacidosis. Had we waited one more day, the outcome could have been tragic.”

“We’re grateful for the treatments that keep her alive, but managing T1D is exhausting. Every day, we fight to keep her sugar levels stable. I dream of a day when Mary, and others like her, no longer depend on insulin. No child should have to suffer like this. We need a cure.”

Mary’s story is one of many—and it’s why your support matters.

Your Impact: Real Help. Real Hope.

Type 1 diabetes affects more than just the person diagnosed—it impacts entire families. The emotional, physical, and financial toll is immense.

With your support, Type One provides critical resources, helps families navigate their journeys, and funds life-changing research. Together, we are changing lives—one family, one scholarship, one breakthrough at a time.

Your generosity brings us closer to a world where T1D no longer holds anyone back.

Thank you for standing with us—and with the 1.25 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes. Your commitment fuels hope, healing, and a brighter future for all.

We have completed community surveys, held focus groups and interviewed individuals with type 1 diabetes to understand how we can better support and serve them. We found many individuals voiced a need for a support group specific to type 1 diabetes within our community. As a result, the Type One team is making that happen. Our goal is to connect those living with type 1 diabetes with others on the same journey with our Type One workshops. Whether someone needs support or has it all figured out, this group is for them!

Type One scholarship

Type One is currently accepting scholarship applications, and will award $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors who will be entering an accredited college/university for a two- or four-year course of study and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. The applicant must reside in the greater South Shore region of Massachusetts (which includes the communities of Abington, Braintree, Cohasset, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Scituate, Weymouth, Whitman). The applicant must be living with type 1 diabetes or with a sibling diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Interested applicants should complete the application, submit a copy of their high school transcript and a letter of reference. Participants should send their completed application via mail or email to [email protected], and mail their transcript and letter of reference to Type One, PO Box 404 Hingham, MA 02043. Applications must be received by mail or email on or before April 27, 2025. Scholarship awardees will be chosen by a selection committee composed of the Type One leadership team, and selected on the basis of quality of completed application and addressing the topic response. The committee’s decision is final. Winners will be notified via email on or before May 4, 2025.

Please note that in order to claim scholarship funds, you must be able to provide proof of attendance to your program. Scholarship funds must be applied toward the costs of tuition, research, books, exam fees, study resources or other expenses appropriate to the pursuit of one’s degree. Each scholarship awardee must be prepared to verify use of scholarship funds within one year. Under no circumstances should monies awarded to the winners be used toward non-educational expenses.

Please complete the form below. Please respond to each question, as accurately as possible, and provide as much information as possible to receive consideration for the scholarship. All applications will be carefully reviewed and considered. Applicants must be 17 years of age and a U.S. resident.

Type One Scholarship Application

Type One Cares – Send a Kid to T1D Camp

Type One Cares is a campaign dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for those affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D). Through education, financial assistance, and empowerment, we help individuals and families live powerful lives beyond the diagnosis. This summer, Type One will be providing scholarships for local children living with T1D to attend a week of residential diabetes camp.

These camps offer much more than just a break from routine. They are life-changing experiences where children with T1D can enjoy sports, games, arts and crafts, and—most importantly—the powerful connection of being surrounded by others who truly understand what it means to live with diabetes. While T1D may be what brings these kids together, camp is like any other—filled with fun, adventure, laughter, and friendships that last a lifetime.

The heart of the program is support and education through fun. These camps are staffed by trained medical professionals and camp counselors, many of whom live with T1D themselves and serve as role models. Campers learn critical self-care and diabetes management skills in a safe, encouraging environment—helping them gain confidence, independence, and a sense of empowerment.

We work with trusted, accredited local T1D camp programs to ensure that each child has access to high-quality care, a safe and enriching environment, and an unforgettable summer experience. Our goal is to lift some of the financial burden and give every child with T1D the opportunity to grow, thrive, and feel unstoppable.

Thanks to your support, we can give more kids the gift of camp—and the lifelong benefits that come with it.

We support the Faustman Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital

For the last 20 years, the Faustman Lab has been the leader in investigating the potential of the BCG vaccine to prevent and reverse autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes. This research has advanced from early mouse studies, moving to mechanistic, in vitro trials and now a multi-trial human clinical research program. The Faustman Lab showed that BCG boosts a cytokine called TNF, which is beneficial in autoimmune diseases by directly eliminating the autoreactive T cells that attack the pancreas, as well as by inducing beneficial immune cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs).

The study at MGH looks increasingly like a long-term cure for type 1 diabetes, with a newly released study showing patients have normal blood sugar levels eight years after a clinical trial. In research published in journal npj Vaccines, patients who had been treated with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine — an inexpensive, generic vaccine used around the world to prevent tuberculosis — had normal blood sugar levels eight years after the trial ended. While it took three years for patients to see results from the vaccine, two doses of the drug spaced four weeks apart were still having a lasting impact eight years later. All of the patients in the studies showed a durable and significant improvement in HbA1c. Learn more njp Vaccines paper.

BCG Therapy For T1D

The bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is a microorganism developed as a vaccine for tuberculosis 100 years ago and used as therapy for bladder cancer 40 years ago. More recently, BCG has shown therapeutic promise for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and several other autoimmune diseases. In T1D, BCG restored blood sugars to near normal, even in patients with advanced disease of >20 years duration. This clinically important effect may be driven by resetting of the immune system and the shifting of glucose metabolism from overactive oxidative phosphorylation, a state of minimal sugar utilization, to aerobic glycolysis, a state of high glucose utilization, for energy production. The mechanistic findings support the Hygiene Hypothesis and reveal the immune and metabolic synergy of mycobacterial reintroduction in modern humans.

For more information on the MGH clinical trials and the research study, please download their BCG Brochure. Visit their website and follow them on Facebook.

On behalf of the 1.25 million people living with type 1 diabetes, their family and friends we thank you for your commitment to our mission and our promise to find a cure!

About T1D

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.

Who T1D affects

Type 1 diabetes strikes both children and adults at any age. It comes on suddenly, causes dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.

T1D and genetics

It is unclear about whether type 1 diabetes is hereditary or not. While 90 percent of people who develop type 1 diabetes have no relative with the disease, genetic factors can predispose people to developing type 1 diabetes. Certain gene markers are associated with type 1 diabetes risk.

Causes of T1D

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Usually, the body’s own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet, or islets of Langerhans) cells in the pancreas.

Environmental factors

While researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of type 1 diabetes (T1D), environmental factors such as viruses, vitamin D deficiency, air pollutants and COVID-19 have all been linked to its onset.

Covid-19 and T1D

A heightened risk of diabetes has already been seen among adults who recovered from COVID-19, according to some studies. Researchers have reported an increase in the number of children being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes since the pandemic started. Children who recover from COVID-19 appear to have a significantly higher risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, according to a new CDC study. COVID-19 may damage the organ systems that involve diabetes risk, the researchers said. The virus might also directly attack pancreatic cells, and cause stress and high blood sugar during infection, and alter glucose metabolism. Pandemic-related weight gain and sedentary behavior could also play a role in escalating prediabetes to diabetes.

How T1D is managed

Living with T1D is a constant challenge. People with the disease must carefully balance insulin doses (either by injections multiple times a day or continuous infusion through a pump) with eating and other activities throughout the day and night. They must also measure their blood-glucose level by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day. Despite this constant attention, people with T1D still run the risk of dangerous high or low blood-glucose levels, both of which can be life threatening. People with T1D overcome these challenges on a daily basis.

Hemoglobin A1C (HBA1C) test for diabetes

The hemoglobin A1c test tells you your average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It’s also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, and glycohemoglobin. People who have type 1 diabetes (T1D) need this test regularly to see if their levels are staying within range. It can tell if you need to adjust your diabetes medicines.

The A1c test is also used to diagnose diabetes.

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It gives blood its red color, and its job is to carry oxygen throughout your body. For people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin A1c level is between 4% and 5.6%. Hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% mean you have a higher chance of getting diabetes. Levels of 6.5% or higher mean you have diabetes.

Insulin is not a cure

While insulin injections or infusion allow a person with T1D to stay alive, they do not cure the disease, nor do they necessarily prevent the possibility of the disease’s serious effects, which may include: kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications.

T1D is a disability

The short answer is “Yes.” Under most laws, diabetes is a protected as a disability. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are protected as disabilities.

T1D and military service

When a US Army soldier is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it is widely assumed that they will be found unfit for duty and their military career is over.

The outlook for treatments and a cure

Although T1D is a serious and difficult disease, treatment options are improving all the time, and people with T1D can lead full and active lives. The Faustman Lab is driving research to progressively remove the impact of the disease from people’s lives until we ultimately achieve a world without T1D.

Statistics

• 1.25M Americans are living with T1D including about 200,000 youth (less than 20 years old) and over a million adults (20 years old and older).
• 40,000 people are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
• 5 million people in the U.S. are expected to have T1D by 2050, including nearly 600,000 youth.
• About 1 in 500 people in the U.S. are living with the disease.
• Between 2001 and 2009 there was a 21% increase in the prevalence of T1D in people under age 20.
• Type 1 diabetes accounts for $14B in healthcare costs per year in the U.S and is constantly rising.
• Less than one-third of people with T1D in the U.S. are achieving target blood glucose control levels.
• T1D is associated with an estimated loss of life-expectancy of up to 13 years.

Warning signs of T1D may occur suddenly and can include :

• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Increased appetite
• Sudden weight loss
• Sudden vision changes
• Sugar in the urine
• Fruity odor on the breath
• Heavy or labored breathing
• Stupor or unconsciousness

World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. It is marked every year on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

WDD is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight.

The campaign is the global driver to promote the importance of taking coordinated and concerted actions to confront diabetes as a critical global health issue

The campaign is represented by a blue circle logo that was adopted in 2007 after the passage of the UN Resolution on diabetes. The blue circle is the global symbol for diabetes awareness. It signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic.

Type One Fitness delivers comprehensive fitness programs designed to suit every member’s individual needs. From personalized training sessions to specialized classes like yoga, pilates, and boxing, we ensure a well-rounded approach to health and wellness. Our expert trainers and state-of-the-art equipment help you achieve your fitness goals, whether you’re managing diabetes or enhancing your overall wellness. Join us for a supportive and inclusive fitness experience that drives real results.