The Complications of Diabetes Program encompasses basic and clinical research related to acute (e.g. ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar coma) and chronic complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Chronic complications include the vascular complications of diabetes and the effects of diabetes on any organ system. Clinical studies supported under this program include strategies to prevent or treat the complications of diabetes. Supported basic research examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which hyperglycemia mediates its adverse effects and the interrelationships among the mechanisms potentially involved in the pathogenesis of complications, including: increased polyol pathway flux; alterations of intracellular redox state; oxidative stress; glycation of structural and functional proteins; altered expression of growth factors; enhanced activity of PKC; impaired synthesis of nitric oxide and other vasoactive substances; and altered metabolism of fatty acids
For more information, contact Dr. Teresa Jones, Diabetes Complications Program Director.