National Disease Research Interchange

The Human Biological Data Interchange (HBDI) is the genetics division of NDRI. Created in 1988, HBDI has medical history and genealogical data on over 6700 families who are affected by type 1 diabetes. In addition, HBDI maintains a repository of DNA and immortalized cell lines collected from 500 families. This database and repository was originally created to help researchers uncover the genetic causes of type 1. Today, it is also used by researchers who study type 2 diabetes, diabetic complications, autoimmune diseases and other disorders.

NDRI is actively seeking families with at least one family member who has type 1 diabetes. Participation involves completing a detailed family and medical history questionnaire. Some families may be invited to donate a small blood sample to add to HBDI’s genetic repository.