Diabetes Dateline
Fall 2007

Research News

Rodgers Renews Commitment to Diabetes Research

Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), shares his vision and the Institute’s goals for diabetes research.

The rapidly growing problem of diabetes in this country poses a major public health challenge that shows no signs of abating. With each passing year, the human and economic costs of diabetes continue to mount, while the burden of managing the disease overwhelms many people with diabetes and their families.

As the recently appointed director of the NIDDK, I am committed to a vigorous, multipronged research program in diabetes and its many debilitating complications. Diabetes affects almost 21 million Americans and costs an estimated $132 billion annually in medical expenses and indirect costs. Eye, kidney, nerve, heart, and other complications of diabetes reduce the lifespan and quality of life for people with this disease.

At all levels of the NIDDK, we will continue to pursue the most compelling research to combat type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes and obesity, its most important risk factor. Moreover, we will remain firmly committed to basic, translational, and clinical research; research training and career development; and the dissemination of health information to improve the lives of people with diabetes, their families, and those at risk for the disease.

In particular, the NIDDK will work to

• strengthen a vigorous investigator-initiated research portfolio. The capability of individual investigators is crucial for research progress. Therefore, the NIDDK will continue to fund investigator-initiated grants at the highest possible level. Of particular importance will be understanding the mechanisms by which newly identified genes increase the risk of diabetes and how the pathways involved can lead to new approaches to prevent, treat, or cure diabetes.

• support pivotal clinical studies and trials. The NIDDK will continue to seek out and support critical studies. The NIDDK’s ongoing support of the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study and the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes study are just two examples of important large-scale studies under way—studies that can help change the way diabetes is treated.

• preserve a stable pool of talented new investigators. The ideas and fresh perspectives of new investigators invigorate the diabetes research community. We will take steps to encourage today’s generation of young scientists to dedicate their careers to diabetes research and will work to foster exceptional research training and mentoring opportunities. These programs help to ensure a cadre of well-trained Ph.D. scientists and physician scientists specializing in endocrinology and diabetes research.

• ensure knowledge dissemination through outreach and communications. We are continuing efforts to impart science-based knowledge gained from research funded by the NIH and other agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to health care professionals and the public for the direct benefit of people with diabetes and their families.

The NIDDK is also committed to the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP). As we enter a new era of translating the most rigorous findings in diabetes research to improve diabetes prevention and treatment, the NDEP is urgently committed to slowing the diabetes epidemic and improving diabetes care. I look forward to working with the leadership and volunteers of the NDEP to make a difference in the lives of people affected by diabetes.

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NIH Publication No. 08–4562
October 2007