Diabetes mellitus is the pandemic of the new millennium.
Research into the causes and treatment of diabetes is a major
strength and area of emphasis at Wake Forest University Medical
Center. Ongoing diabetes research projects cover the spectrum
from focused laboratory studies aimed at understanding the
molecular mechanisms that lead to diabetes to population-based
studies with the purpose of developing better methods for
treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus. In the current
fiscal year, diabetes-related studies account for more than
$38.2 million of research at the Medical Center. Thus, diabetes
research was the number one ranked source of research funding
for the Institution. The medical school has special strengths in
several areas of diabetes research. Of note are studies of the
genetic contributors to diabetes and diabetic complications,
such as cardiovascular disease and nephropathy. Genetic research
in minority populations is also a special area of emphasis. In
addition, Wake Forest is a major p