Diabetes and endocrinology
Why is diabetes increasing? How do under-and overproduction of hormones affect the brain? At the Institute of Medicine, award-winning research on diabetes and endocrinology, ranging from basic, clinical and epidemiological studies to world-class register research, is in progress.
Our diabetes and endocrinology research is aimed at understanding the causes and finding means of prevention and treatment. Our scientists conduct basic research, clinical investigations and population studies. Our understanding of diabetes is also growing thanks to our register research. Moreover, we cooperate closely with the pharmaceutical industry to produce new and improved drugs. The goal is to understand what causes diabetes, identify risk factors, find ways of preventing the disease, and develop new treatments and technical aids that make life easier for people living with diabetes today. Another aim is to be able to restore insulin production for people with type 1 diabetes.
Our research areas
- risk factors for sequelae of diabetes
- blood-sugar-lowering treatments for type 1 and 2 diabetes
- the role of genetics in type 2 diabetes
- ageing and obesity, and how they affect the development of type 2 diabetes
- diabetes in relation to cardiac, vascular and metabolic diseases and disorders
- intestinal bacteria as a cure for type 2 diabetes
Endocrinology
At the Institute of Medicine, outstanding research on hormone disorders under way. Through Sahlgrenska Hospital, the researchers have the opportunity to meet patients and engage in clinical research in close contact with patients. Their research has a high international reputation and is regarded as unique.
In this field, our research areas are:
- hormonal regulation of brain and heart plasticity and recovery after ischaemic injury: we study whether hormones can stimulate cell production or repair cells after injury, such as myocardial infarction or stroke
- hormonal and metabolic risk factors for dementia diseases
- diagnostics and treatment for pituitary and adrenal disorders
- Graves’ disease and the connection between hyperthyroidism and cognitive changes
- Turner syndrome
- hormonal effects on the immune system and cardiovascular disease
- hormones and osteoporosis.
Close connection between research and education
There is close cooperation between the Institute’s research and our education and training, in which many of our researchers too are involved. They supervise doctoral students and teach on our regular programmes, freestanding courses and vocational care programmes within Sahlgrenska Academy.
