Discoveries in Diabetes

Spring 2009

Picturing success

When the idea of transplanting insulin-producing islet cells first emerged many years ago, hope ran high that a cure for type 1 diabetes could be just on the horizon. Reality, however, has yet to catch up with the dream.

Couple adds bequest to their support of diabetes research

Kathy Goswitz, now 62, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 19. Her sunny disposition masks decades of struggles with numerous complications of the disease, including hypoglycemia unawareness, a kidney transplant, toe amputation, and other ailments.

TrialNet’s ‘gold-standard care’

Jared Deines has a bright smile that exudes boyish charm. He also has the natural poise of the athlete he is. He plays baseball, football, basketball, and his favorite, golf. But on a sunny day, Jared is not home in Iowa practicing his golf swing. He is stretched out on a hospital bed, tethered to an intravenous drip.

‘In our own backyard’

University receives $40 million to help accelerate a cure for type 1 diabetes. The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation in December pledged $40 million for diabetes research at the University of Minnesota.

Scientists tackle diabetes by reprogramming stem cells

Meri Firpo, Ph.D., will never forget the moment two years ago that shocked the international stem cell research community. A scientist revealed a novel process using genes to turn ordinary skin cells backward in development, the precursor cells capable of developing into any of the body’s cells.

University researchers evaluate a surgical solution to type 2 diabetes

Can surgery be an effective way to treat type 2 diabetes? Researchers at the University of Minnesota are teaming up with colleagues around the world to find out.

Gift planning seminar

May 14, 2009. Minneapolis Club. This informational session is designed to help donors and prospective donors learn how planned giving options can help maximize their philanthropic objectives. For more information, contact Angela Lillie at 612-625- 9646 or a.lillie@mmf.umn.edu.

Fall 2008

Creating a new supply of islet cells

For people who have diabetes‚ the use of islet-cell transplantation to eliminate the need for insulin injections holds great promise. In 2006‚ research led by University of Minnesota innovator Bernhard Hering, M.D., showed that islet cells from pigs could be used to reverse diabetes in monkeys.

University team continues to lead the charge toward a diabetes cure using islet transplants

Hering’s group was among the first in the world to bring islet-cell transplantation to clinical trials‚ hoping to restore sensitivity to low blood sugar levels for the 12 percent of people with type 1 diabetes who no longer feel warning signs when their blood sugar plummets.

Giving research a sporting chance

Jeff Dobbs had been enthralled by golf since his childhood days‚ when he would hit balls with his dad in the backyard of their New Hope‚ Minnesota‚ home. When he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes‚ he battled its effects but still tried to keep the disease from interfering with the activities he loved.

Sugar on the brain

Key to diabetes care is managing how the body handles sugar. Glucose is stored as glycogen in tissues throughout the body until it’s called on to provide energy. But little is known about what happens to glycogen stored in the brain.