Diabetes hope through research

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports research into many kinds of disorders, including diabetes. Researchers throughout the United States and the world are working to better understand, prevent, and treat this disease. Finding ways to prevent or delay diabetes in people at risk is a key goal of this research. Scientists are identifying genes that may be involved in type 1 or type 2 diabetes and studying how they work. Studies are clarifying the complicated mechanisms that damage beta cells in diabetes. A great deal of work is also focused on preventing the different types of diabetes and improving treatment.
The NIDDK conducts research in its own laboratories and supports a great deal of basic and clinical research in medical centers and hospitals throughout the United States. Several other components of the NIH also conduct and support research related to diabetes. Other Government agencies that sponsor diabetes programs are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Indian Health Service, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the VA, and the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, many organizations outside the Government support diabetes research and education activities. These organizations include the ADA, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and The Endocrine Society.
Clinical trials are research studies involving people. Clinical trials look at safe and effective new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. To learn more about clinical trials, why they matter, and how to participate, visit the NIH Clinical Research Trials and You website at www.nih.gov/health/clinicaltrials. For information about current studies, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.