NIH Unveils New Approach for Diabetes Research

Medical Researchers - credit:James Gathany, CDC

Earlier this week the National Institutes of Health announced the release of new plan for future diabetes-related research. The plan was developed with direction from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

The plan identified the research opportunities with the greatest potential to make a difference in the lives of the individuals who currently have, or are at risk for developing diabetes.

“By setting priorities and identifying the most compelling research opportunities, the strategic plan will guide NIH, other federal agencies and the investigative community in efforts to improve diabetes treatments and identify ways to keep more people healthy,” said NIDDK Director Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D.

Areas of focus for the research include the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, and how both conditions may be affected by genetics and environment, the autoimmune mechanisms at work in type 1 diabetes, and the biology of beta cells, which release insulin in the pancreas. Other important areas include prevention of complications of diabetes that affect the heart, eyes, kidneys, nervous system and other organs, the development of artificial pancreas technologies to improve management of blood sugar levels, and a reduction of the impact of diabetes on groups disproportionately affected by the disease, including the elderly and racial and ethnic minorities.

Source: National Institutes of Health