University of Virginia Health System

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More than 23 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Untreated or mismanaged, this disease can lead to serious health problems throughout the body, including kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke. UVA's nationally-recognized physicians and researchers collaborate across departments to prevent, treat, and potentially cure diabetes, providing our patients the best care possible.

In the Spotlight: Islet Cell Transplant

Pancreatic islet cells make the insulin that is vital to regulating the body's blood sugar levels, but these cells are destroyed in type 1 diabetics. Islet cell transplantation offers the potential to completely reverse the disease and allow patients to maintain normal blood sugar without insulin injections. Since 2004, seven successful islet cell transplants have been performed at UVA.

This is only a sampling of the exciting type 1 diabetes research happening at UVA.

Groundbreaking Research. Our researchers are making fundamental discoveries that offer great promise to individuals suffering the multiple threats of diabetes. UVA's physician-scientists are exploring new ways to diagnose, treat, and one day cure type 1 diabetes. 

Comprehensive, Compassionate Care.  Our commitment to quality care extends beyond the UVA Health System. Through the Diabetes Education & Management Program, patients across Virginia learn the information and skills necessary to successfully manage their disease on their own.  

Endowed Fellowship Support. Research fellows conduct many of the day-to-day scientific studies taking place in laboratories across UVA's Health System. These dedicated scientists play a vital role in accelerating the pace of research. With increased fellowship support, UVA can pursue more research projects with greater success and increased efficiency.

Translating Research into New Treatments. Once research has identified potential causes of diabetes-related conditions and targets for treatment, it is essential to translate that knowledge into patient care. Here, private donations can make a dramatic difference, enabling UVA researchers to pursue the early stages of drug development, conduct clinical trials for new medications, develop new imaging procedures, and translate new findings into critical advances.