When Laura Tremblay was approached by TrialNet about becoming a TrialNet Ambassador, she didn’t hesitate to say yes.

As a Clinical Trial Education Volunteer for Breakthrough T1D, Laura was already helping to spread the word about TrialNet research. But as a TrialNet Ambassador, she has the resources she needs to educate families about the importance of TrialNet screening and clinical trials.

“Before becoming an Ambassador, if someone had questions about TrialNet research, I didn’t always feel equipped to answer them,” explains Laura. “But now I have the knowledge base and tools I need to empower families to make informed decisions.”

Laura says being an Ambassador doesn’t take a lot of time. She weaves information about TrialNet screening and clinical trials into naturally occurring conversations.

“If I’m talking to the parent of a child newly diagnosed with type 1, I might ask if they have other children,” she explains. “If they do, I ask if they’ve considered screening, and then I see where the conversation goes from there. I give them my email address and phone number and tell them they can reach out to me with questions. Often, it takes several conversations before they have the information they need to make an informed decision. These conversations take just minutes.”

When Laura walks people through the stages of T1D, she explains what screening is and why it’s so important. She tells them about the FDA’s approval of Tzield in 2022 to delay disease progression, as well as clinical trials exploring other treatment options. She also emphasizes the importance of preventing DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

“I also tell families about the importance of having time to prepare,” says Laura. “You can find an endocrinologist and identify the best sources for medication and supplies, like insulin, a continuous glucose monitor, and an insulin pump. Parents of students can look into school resources and implement a 504 plan (special accommodations for medical needs). You can also start educating yourself and your child about carb counting and choose from one of the many available apps.”

“If you’re unprepared for a T1D diagnosis, like 85-90% of families, you can find yourself in the hospital trying to put these pieces into place while getting a crash course in T1D,” adds Laura. “That’s what happened to me, and it’s one of the reasons I believe so deeply in screening. (Read about Laura’s experience here.)

Looking for ways to advance T1D research? Become a TrialNet Ambassador!

If you’re passionate about advancing type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, TrialNet invites you to join our Ambassador Program.

As a TrialNet Ambassador, you’ll play an important role in raising awareness about TrialNet research, including free T1D risk screening that can detect the disease in its earliest stages. You’ll also help spread the word about our innovative clinical studies aiming to slow disease progression.

Who can be a TrialNet Ambassador?

Anyone can be a TrialNet Ambassador! We welcome medical professionals, diabetes advocates, students, parents, bloggers, social media influencers, and anyone who wants to help spread the word about TrialNet. As an Ambassador, you’ll have access to our digital Ambassador Toolkit, packed with resources to help you inform and engage your friends, family, and followers, and inspire others to get involved. 

Why become a TrialNet Ambassador?

• Increase awareness of T1D research.
• Be among the first to learn about new TrialNet studies and research advances.
• Access TrialNet resources, including the digital Ambassador Toolkit.
• Gain special recognition on the TrialNet Ambassador webpage.

What do TrialNet Ambassadors do?

• Use resources in the Ambassador Toolkit to share information about T1D risk screening and clinical studies aiming to slow or prevent T1D progression.
• Follow TrialNet’s social media channels for the latest updates to share with your network.
• While there are no requirements, we encourage Ambassadors to regularly share information about TrialNet screening and studies.

Ready to join the TrialNet Ambassador Program?

Complete the registration form here. When you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with your Ambassador Toolkit. If you have any questions, contact info@trialnet.org.