Diabetes Research
Research is ongoing at the University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology. Results of these research initiatives are quickly translated into improved treatment and services for patients.
Special research interests include:
- Genetic screening for monogenic forms of diabetes
- New understandings of the genetic basis of Type 2 diabetes and obesity, and the development of new therapeutic and prevention strategies
- Investigation of the long-term effects of blood glucose control on prevention and delay of diabetic complications.
- Studies to determine why some people respond to certain diabetes drugs while others do not (pharmacogenomics)
- Mechanisms of hypoglycemia
- Preclinical gene therapy approaches for diabetes
- Genetics of hypertension and lipid disorders
- Molecular and cellular studies of the regulation of lipid metabolism, lipid storage and utilization and the effects to human diseases, such as obesity and diabetes
- Identification of genes contributing to developmental defects in organ systems – such as pancreas and hypothalamus - that might underlie obesity and diabetes
- Gut bacteria and its relationship to diabetes and obesity
- Studies of drugs to treat Cushing's Disease
- Genetics of osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta
- Characterization of growth factors for pancreatic beta cells and their potential clinical use for treatment of Type 1 diabetes
- Optimization of preoperative and postoperative care for patients undergoing pancreas transplantation
- Optimization of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes
- Preclinical gene therapy approaches for diabetes
- Studies to determine why some people respond to certain diabetes drugs while others do not (pharmacogenomics)
- Clinical trials of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes and obesity
- Genetics of hypertension
- Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis associated with kidney failure and transplantation
- Studies of growth hormone replacement in adults
- Genetics of longevity
- Molecular studies of fat cells and how insulin works
For More Information
Visit our clinical trials section to learn how to participate in studies designed to find new and better ways to treat patients with diabetes.