Beta Cell Replacement Therapy: A New Frontier in Diabetes Research
Posted: February 14, 2013 Filed under: Research and Grants | Tags: beta cells, diabetes, james wells, louis philipson, research, stem cells, treatment Leave a comment
A promising new approach to stem cell research brings together research groups at the University of Chicago with other collaborators to apply their complementary expertise in stem cell and developmental biology, genetics and genomics and beta-cell physiology to address the problem of generating mature human beta-cells that can be used therapeutically in patients with type 1 diabetes (TID). In particular, Dr. Philipson and Bell have been working with James Wells, PhD of the University of Cincinnati and his lab to continue the momentum of this research.
As Kovler scientists continue their research in this area- with generous support from Friends United- they are thinking through the idea that cells made from adults can be taught to make insulin and might be used to treat diabetes. The technical term for these cells is induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and Dr. Philipson thinks they can help teach all of us how insulin-secreting cells (beta cells) are properly made. These adult stem cells are made from skin biopsies of adults, not embryos, and using genetic methods can be turned into stem cells that can do almost anything.
According to Dr. Philipson, the next phase of this collaborative project is to “send blood samples to Dr. Wells and his team to start the process of making adult-stem cells from white blood cells. Our specific research initiative is to take advantage of our expertise in unusual, genetic forms of diabetes called monogenic diabetes.” Using iPSCs derived from patients with monogenic forms of diabetes due to a mutation in key genes affecting beta-cell development or maturation of the insulin secreting cells, Drs. Philipson, Bell and others hope to learn how to create improved beta cells.
Continue to stay in the know–connect with Kovler Diabetes Center!
Introducing Emily: a Kovler Summer Intern
Posted: July 19, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Programs, Interns, Kovler Team Members | Tags: Chicago, diabetes, Diabetes All-Star Peer-to-Peer Program, Emily Moran, kovler diabetes center, Kovler Krew, nursing, Peggy Hasenauer, volunteers Leave a comment
Hello, my name is Emily and I have been working here at Kovler for a little over a month and a half now. Each day when I walk into work, I am astonished at how awesome this institution is and cannot believe I am able to work here. Coming into this internship, I was very nervous about the types of things I would be doing and the people I was going to be working with. Not having diabetes myself and with only a small amount of experience, I was nervous yet excited to begin.
Being a Nursing major my understanding of diabetes has mostly come from my textbooks, and the clinicals I have completed. This pasted spring I worked on a Cardiac-Pulmonary floor and received the opportunity to care for numerous patients with diabetes. I was able to assist them in managing their blood glucose levels within the hospital in addition to promoting healthy lifestyles once these patients were discharged. With what felt like an abundance of knowledge I decided to take the opportunity to come work for Kovler. But little did I know that I would become even more acquainted with diabetes.
Throughout my time here, I have found a deeper respect for patients with diabetes and the care that these patients need. I also have so much admiration for the doctors working within Kovler, who have made ground-breaking discoveries through their research. It’s so incredible and interesting! Lastly, working with the members of Kovler has shed a new light on proving care. The people here at the Kovler Diabetes Center are so passionate about what they do and it is incredible to see how they can make a difference for each individual they care for, educate, and support. I hope to do the same in my own career.
While working close with these members, especially Peggy Hasenauer, I have helped to launch two substantial programs for Kovler this summer: Kovler Krew and the Diabetes All-Star Peer-to-Peer Program. Both new projects have made great progress so far and we are excited to see where they are headed!
Kovler Krew, a volunteer program, provides members of the community a chance to offer their time, support, and knowledge to assist the Kovler Diabetes Center in expanding its community presence, and helping educate and support patients all throughout Chicago. Volunteers play a large role in the Kovler team and we are very thankful for those that choose to do so.
The second program, Diabetes All-Star Peer-to-Peer Program is a peer-to-peer mentoring program for Kovler patients from the south side of Chicago who have type 2-diabetes. We believe that through this mentorship our patients, who have struggled in the past, will achieve confidence and stability in managing their diabetes and continue to live healthy lifestyles.
Working with these volunteers and patients, I hope to strengthen the Kovler Team and to build the Kovler connection throughout the Chicago-land area. It has been great seeing the progression of these programs so far, and I am eager to see what else the rest of the summer has to offer.
Guest Blog: Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study
Posted: July 16, 2012 Filed under: Diabetes Programs, Guest Blog, Research and Grants | Tags: diabetes, Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, DPPOS, Margie Matulik, metformin, New England Journal of Medicine, Rina DeSandre Leave a comment
I am the Program Coordinator for the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, a multi-center study which has been ongoing since February 1996. We ended recruitment in February, 1999. There are two staff members working on the DPPOS here – myself and Rina DeSandre. We have worked together since the study’s inception!
Our study is looking at how to prevent diabetes in people at high risk. It was a very stringent screening process, but finally after three years we finished recruitment and randomized 153 people. There are three treatment groups now. One is using the medication metformin, which is currently indicated for treatment of diabetes, one group is the placebo and the other group is intensive lifestyle. Those in the intensive lifestyle group have a goal to lose 7% of their weight and do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like a brisk walk) each week.
Since our study has been going on so long, we actually have some results initially published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2001. It was found that lifestyle was almost twice as effective (a 58% reduction in risk) at preventing diabetes as taking metformin for prevention. However, the metformin did have a 31% reduction in risk of getting diabetes.
Our participants are quite loyal – with a greater than 90% retention rate. They see us twice a year now. We also have classes on a quarterly basis and all are invited and can bring a guest as well. There are various topics ranging from stress reduction to resistance training to eating a Mediterranean based diet.
We are planning on continuing the study until 2014. However, we are also in the process of planning for another extension. We still have many questions to be answered and our participants are also eager to continue. (What a great job I have!)
Thank you,
Margie Matulik
Program Coordinator, DPPOS
Introducing Megan: A Kovler Summer Intern
Posted: July 9, 2012 Filed under: Interns, Kovler Team Members | Tags: diabetes, kovler diabetes center, Megan Miniat, Miami of Ohio University, nursing, social media, Type 1 Leave a comment
I’m Megan Miniat and this is my first summer interning at the Kovler Diabetes Center. I am currently studying Psychology at Miami of Ohio University and plan on pursuing my Masters of Science to fulfill my goal of becoming a nurse.
Diabetes has always been a part of my life as my brother was diagnosed with Type 1 when he was six years old. I hope that my experience at Kovler will enable me to learn more about diabetes so that I can increase awareness and educate others. I am especially interested in how social media can be used as a tool for diabetes education, awareness, and support. I am eager to apply this knowledge as I move forward in my nursing career.
A Story about Diabetes from the Center for International Patients
Posted: June 26, 2012 Filed under: Guest Blog | Tags: Center for International Patients, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, diabetes worldwide, insulin pump, kovler diabetes center, university of chicago, university of chicago medicine, Vicky Ochoa, World Health Organization Leave a commentVicky Ochoa, the Program Coordinator for the Center for International Patients, shares a wonderful story about what is possible when teams from the University of Chicago work together.
We have an international patient who has suffered from cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, post lung transplant. Despite multiple attempts to manage her diabetes with daily injections of various types of insulin, her blood sugars were increasingly unstable. She was the perfect candidate for an insulin pump. Not surprisingly, she was initially hesitant to try the pump. However, through her own research and discussions with the physicians, educators and nutritionists at the Kovler Diabetes Center she was helped to see the benefits an insulin pump could offer. After learning about its invisibility under clothing and the fact that she could work out or swim without disconnecting it, she agreed to give it a try. Now that she has become more confident in adjusting the doses and maintaining her diet, her blood sugars are regulating. She is much happier with the on-the-go freedom she now enjoys. Many thanks to the entire endocrinology team for helping change this woman’s life!
The World Health Organization estimates that 346 million people worldwide have diabetes and that more than 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Our partnership with the Center for International Patients is vital to addressing the needs of patients with diabetes throughout the entire world. Thank you to the entire University of Chicago Medicine Center for International Patients for their work on this case and so many others!
Kovler and the Food Allergy Initiative
Posted: June 14, 2012 Filed under: Events | Tags: Celiac, Chicago, diabetes, Food Allergy Initiative, Laurie Jaffe, Mark Bittman, Peggy Hasenauer, Sally Kovler Leave a comment
Last month Laurie Jaffe and I attended the first inaugural luncheon for the Food Allergy Initiative in Chicago, held at the Four Seasons. As mothers of children with food allergies, Laurie and I felt strongly that we wanted to support this organization, meet some of its members, and better understand the needs of children with food allergies. Some children and adults with diabetes have Celiac – an allergy to wheat and gluten- in fact, the prevalence of celiac disease in people with Type 1 diabetes is about 6% worldwide.
Mark Bittman, New York Times food writer, columnist, and author
Sally Kovler, our Board chairperson, also wanted us to meet a few dear friends of hers who chaired the luncheon and have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds to support food allergy research in Chicago and New York. It was a content-rich event with speaker Mark Bittman, New York Times food critic and best selling author, who gave an outstanding, humorous, somewhat alarming presentation regarding the way food is prepared and processed in the U.S., the rise in use of preservatives and mechanical processing, and the rise in obesity rates along with the rise in food allergies.
I was proud and honored to attend, and learned from this amazing group how to help my child. Additionally, I learned—as an attendee at the event, not as a host or speaker—how important a concise message and educational content can be to a parent of a child with chronic conditions, especially diabetes.
Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center
Introducing Carrie: A Kovler Summer Intern
Posted: June 11, 2012 Filed under: Interns | Tags: Carrie Turek, diabetes, Dianne Deplewski, InTransit, Kovler, Peggy Hasenauer, Type 1 1 Comment
My name is Carrie and this summer I am thrilled to take on a new role within the Kovler family! As a patient of Dr. Deplewski’s for the past 10 years, and a patient at Kovler for the past two years, I am very familiar with diabetes and its management. And this summer, I am taking my experience with diabetes to a whole new level!
There is no question that living with diabetes can be hard. It can be annoying and obnoxious and it can feel like an intrusion on your life. But diabetes can also be life-changing, in a good way. As a 10-year type one diabetes veteran, I have experienced the annoyances of diabetes; but I have also had time to discover that diabetes can teach responsibility, maturity, an appreciation for health, and persistence. I haven’t let diabetes stop me from living my life and reaching my goals. And this summer, I am happy to say that I have found another positive aspect of having diabetes– working at Kovler!
As a student intern with Kovler, I will be working with Peggy Hasenauer to make Kovler’s InTransit program even better than it already is. I cannot wait to work with teens at Kovler and learn how we can better serve them as they make transitions in diabetes care and management. As a Type 1 diabetic and college junior, I feel a personal connection to this project and I am really looking forward to brainstorming new ideas and ways to work with diabetic teens. I am familiar with the challenges that diabetes can present and I am always ready to learn about new ways to live life to its fullest, while still maintaining health.
As a psychology major, I would one day like to work in a medical setting with children and teens with chronic diseases. I know firsthand that being diagnosed with a disease like diabetes can be difficult for both children and families. When I was diagnosed with diabetes at age nine, it was a whirlwind time period in my family’s life. We frantically learned to count carbs and give insulin shots. We tested blood sugars and lived on a schedule. Being diagnosed with diabetes was life-changing. It is my dream to help families work through difficult times like these and to show children and teens that diabetes is manageable and that it doesn’t need to hold you back from anything. Working at Kovler, then, is a dream come true, and a step toward reaching my goals.
Illinois Diabetes Policy Coalition – Lobby Day
Posted: May 31, 2012 Filed under: Advocacy, Events, Guest Blog | Tags: diabetes, Diabetes Caucus, IDPC, Illinois Diabetes Policy Coalition, kovler diabetes center, Leader Tom Cross, Lobby Day, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, Medicaid, National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, Nicole Sisen, Rep. Michael Tryon Leave a comment I would like to introduce our guest blogger, Nicole Sisen, and thank her for continuing to make Lobby Day a success as we continue to increase awareness and advocate for patients with diabetes. Nicole kindly shares with us the details of the fantastic 5th annual Lobby Day. It has been an honor to be part of the Illinois Diabetes Policy Coalition, led by co-chairs Nicole Sisen and Kate O’Connor Grubbs (both also leaders at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois) and to work side by side with them to advocate on behalf of people with diabetes. – Peggy Hasenauer, Executive Director
On Tuesday, May 8th, the Illinois Diabetes Policy Coalition (IDPC) hosted the fifth annual Lobby Day in Springfield. Advocates loaded a bus and made the trip down to Springfield to meet with legislators about the importance of sustaining financial support for Medicaid specifically for those living with diabetes. Once in Springfield, the group attended a luncheon with Leader Tom Cross and Rep. Michael Tryon, co-founders of the Diabetes Caucus, a group of lawmakers specifically committed to developing legislation that helps to improve care and treatment for diabetic patients and increase prevention and awareness of the disease. The advocates also had the opportunity to speak with Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon about their personal connections to diabetes, who hosted the luncheon in her office!
Later in the day, advocates spread out across the Capitol and pulled individual senators and representatives off the floor to speak to them about the importance of diabetes awareness and requesting support to sustain Medicaid funding for those living with diabetes. Adequate care is critical to the health and well being of those living with and at-risk for diabetes and its complications. It is imperative that Medicaid funding for these services be continued.
While working hard to meet with legislators and educate them, some did find some time for fun and an opportunity to listen in on the House Chamber while is Session!
Nicole Sisen
Movie Review: The Weight of the Nation
Posted: May 18, 2012 Filed under: Kovler Team Members, Movie Review | Tags: body fat, CDC, certified diabetes educators, Chicago, childhood obesity, diabetes, diabetes and nutrition, documentary, HBO, IOM, Julia Socke, kovler diabetes center, NIH, obesity, Weight of the Nation Leave a commentLast Thursday I had the privilege of attending the Chicago premier of a multi-part documentary called “The Weight of the Nation.”
The documentary is the result of the collaboration between HBO, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in association with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The title of the documentary is both literal and figurative…
- One in three children are obese
- More than two thirds of adults age 20 and over are overweight or obese
- Obesity contributes to half of the leading causes of death in America including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
… As a result, obesity-related health care costs are projected to exceed $300 billion by 2018.
The four-part documentary examines the severity of the obesity crisis and its effect on our health care system. It also discusses the multitude of issues relating to the obesity crisis, including our environment and policies that effect food supplies.
I was able to view the first film in the series: “Consequences.” It focuses on the scope of the obesity epidemic and explores the serious health consequences of being overweight or obese. The film features interviews with leading experts and with individuals and families struggling with obesity.
I was deeply impacted by this film and it reinforced what I already know as a dietitian and diabetes educator: the prevalence of obesity in Chicago is alarming and the consequences of obesity are devastating. One expert in the film says, “The weight of the nation is out of control but we can fix that.” Another expert comments, “We have got to come together as a country and make this a priority.” I couldn’t agree more with both statements. While obesity is a multi-factorial issue, our nation has to come together to develop effective solutions to prevent obesity and help people battling obesity to lose weight and keep it off. It won’t be easy and will take time, but we have to invest the time in order to ensure our nation’s future.
The four part series debuts this week on HBO and all four films can be viewed on the web at www.weightofthenation.hbo.com. The other installments address how to lose weight and prevent weight gain, the impact of obesity on children, and the role of agriculture, food marketing, racial and socioeconomic disparities, and physical inactivity.
This documentary is a powerful examination of the epidemic of obesity in our country- I highly recommend checking it out.
Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Outreach Coordinator
Dr. Sargis’ Search for Contributing Factors to the “Diabetes Explosion”
Posted: May 15, 2012 Filed under: Research and Grants, Uncategorized | Tags: diabetes, dr. sargis, EDCs, environmental endocrine disruptors, kovler diabetes center Leave a commentThe last several decades have witnessed a dramatic deterioration in our health with the burgeoning obesity and diabetes epidemic. While lifestyle factors such as a poor diet and physical inactivity certainly contribute, these factors fail to explain the magnitude and rapidity of the diabetes explosion. As such, the search is on for contributing factors, and my laboratory has focused on the potential contribution of environmental pollutants to the surge in metabolic diseases.
Building off of my life-long interest in the environment, our work focuses on how chemicals with the capacity to alter hormonal signaling, environmental endocrine disruptors or EDCs, alter energy balance. We have multiple ongoing projects looking at the effects of EDCs on fat cell development and function, EDC-mediated disruption of insulin signaling (a precursor to the development of diabetes), and the effects of EDCs on energy metabolism in mice exposed to these chemicals in their food, similar to the way humans are exposed.
It is my sincere hope that these efforts will not only help us better understand the factors that contribute to the development of diabetes, but that this work will also provide the foundation for better regulatory action to eliminate diabetes-promoting chemicals from our environment.In addition to this work, we are currently developing research projects to explore the potential impact of various EDCs on the development of obesity and diabetes in humans naturally exposed to these chemicals. In addition to examining the effects of environmental pollutants on the development of type 2 diabetes, our collaborative projects will specifically look at both type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes, two areas currently understudied in the field of endocrine disruption.
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