UW diabetes research programs in the division of Endocrinology span investigations into fundamental aspects of pancreatic beta cell biology and the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and clinical research on diabetes treatment and management.
Learn About UW Diabetes Research Laboratories
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Pancreatic beta cell biology & the mechanisms of beta cell proliferative response |
Dr. Michelle Kimple’s Laboratory Pancreatic beta cell biology & role of GPCR pathways in pathogenesis of diabetes |
Dr. Dudley Lamming’s Laboratory Role of mTOR pathway on pathogenesis of diabetes |
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Dr. Matthew Merrins’ Laboratory Pancreatic beta cell biology & nutrient metabolism in beta cells |
Pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes & mechanisms of beta cell destruction |
Research Focus Areas:
Type 1 Diabetes Research
The initiating event in type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells. Type 1 diabetes research studies at UW investigate the mechanism of this attack to understand how to prevent it. Our faculty members are also developing new approaches to increasing pancreatic beta cell mass in type 1 diabetics, thereby restoring insulin production.
Type 2 Diabetes Research
Frequently associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes occurs when insulin production decreases and/or the body becomes resistant to insulin, preventing efficient regulation of blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes research at UW focuses on understanding and preventing this dysfunction, as well as generating improved therapies and diabetes management approaches.
Pancreatic Beta Cell Biology
To develop new therapies to prevent, treat, and manage diabetes, several of our faculty are investigating pancreatic beta cells, the body’s insulin-producing cells. University of Wisconsin diabetes research investigators are focusing on how these cells proliferate and how pulses of insulin release are triggered.
Clinical Diabetes Research
Translating diabetes research breakthroughs to the clinic improves patients’ lives through better treatment and diabetes management. UW Health is a study site for several clinical trials investigating new medications and devices for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. To learn more about volunteering for a research study in Wisconsin, visit the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research.