| |
 |
| Dr. Frank. |
Upon recognizing the severity and impact of diabetes in the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently submitted to Congress a detailed recommendation of ways to address this disease. The plan, "Conquering Diabetes: A Strategic Plan for the 21st Century," includes measured goals, research priorities, resource requirements and budget recommendations. It is the result of several years of research and analysis by public health experts, clinicians, patients, political leaders, diabetes organizations, and scientific researchers--including two from the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Robert N. Frank, MD, professor of ophthalmology and anatomy/cell biology, was a member of the NIH Diabetes Research Working Group and he also co-chaired the Microvascular Complications Subgroup. Anders Sima, MD, PhD, professor of pathology and neurology, was an expert consultant to the NIH Diabetes Research Working Group.
The overall diabetes research plan has two major goals. The first is to understand the causes and define approaches to prevent the development of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The second goal is to develop methods for optimal management, treatment and ultimate cure of diabetes and its complications.
"Perhaps the most important idea to come from the strategic plan is the following: that the only way to reduce the tremendous burden of diabetes is through intensified biomedical research," said Dr. Frank. "By investing in research now, we can speed the progress in understanding and conquering this disease."
The research plan has been divided into three major components: 1) extraordinary opportunities, 2) special needs for special problems, and 3) resource and infrastructural needs. The extraordinary opportunities are rapidly expanding areas of research that are expected to significantly speed research. These top-priority research areas include: the genetics of diabetes and its complications; autoimmunity and the beta cell; cell signaling and cell regulation; obesity; and clinical research of critical importance.
 |
| Dr. Sima. |
Dr. Sima, who is conducting genetic studies of diabetes and its complications, is considered one of these top-priority researchers. "Specifying the genes involved in diabetes is the most effective way we know of to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies," said Dr. Sima. "If we can determine the predisposing genes associated with the disease, we can focus our research and work more aggressively toward solutions."
The strategic plan is being published by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and is available for viewing at http://www.ep.niddk.nih.gov/dwg/dwgmain.htm.
Diabetes affects 16 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness in adults and amputations. It shortens the average life expectancy by up to 15 years and it is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and birth defects. More than one of every 10 healthcare dollars and about one of every four Medicare dollars are spent on people with diabetes.
The Wayne State University Morris Hood, Jr. Comprehensive Diabetes Center was established in 1998 to improve the health of Michigan’s 600,000 citizens with diabetes. The comprehensive diabetes center focuses on research, community education and community health services. More than 30 Wayne State faculty members are conducting diabetes research and providing clinical care through the support and resources of the diabetes center.