Scientists and physicians at the USF Diabetes and Endocrinology Center are advancing pioneering research to transform how health care providers treat Type 1 diabetes, from investigating potential treatment options to devising new medical devices for both children and adults.
The many research projects led by the diabetes center are already making a lasting impact on how health providers understand and treat the disease. The center has recently helped secure FDA approval for the first therapy that can delay the development of Type 1 diabetes and USF Health researchers are active in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications trial, a 40-year study which has helped set current standards of care and preventive screenings.
“The research that we do here in the area of diabetes is critically important in advancing therapy and we are proud to have helped achieve this first FDA-approved treatment,” said Henry Rodriguez, MD, clinical director of the center and professor of pediatrics with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “I am privileged to be part of a phenomenal multidisciplinary team committed to doing the best for patients.”
Dr. Henry Rodriguez, USF Diabetes & Endocrinology Center clinical director and professor of pediatrics with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
The center is also joining a national study of device manufacturer Medtronic's latest sensor system to evaluate the efficacy of a simplified push-button sensor designed to make insulin management easier for young patients and their families.
“Through this study, patients get lots of education and learn how to troubleshoot when their pump is not working. And as researchers, we will get to learn how these devices work in the real world,” said Dorothy Shulman, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist at the center.