diabetes research department

Throughout the world, 220 million people have diabetes mellitus; in Germany about ten percent of the population is affected by the disease. Diabetes thus poses immense challenges to society and science. Although it is known that diabetes results from a combination of specific genes and lifestyle factors, the exact pathogenic mechanisms are still unknown. Helmholtz Zentrum München addresses this unsatisfactory scenario by elucidating this multifactorial disease from the perspective of different scientific disciplines. In the Diabetes Research Department a continuous scientific exchange is taking place, which is enabling a comprehensive understanding of this complex disease. The expertise of the involved scientists, who for the most part were jointly appointed by Helmholtz Zentrum München and Technische Universität München, spans the entire value chain from basic research to the clinic. The aim is to develop personalized diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies for diabetes mellitus.