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Research Programs

Our UWMDI research faculty work collaboratively to investigate novel hypotheses and discover new drug targets, biomarkers and prevention strategies to combat diabetes and its complications

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What is Diabetes?

Over 30 million people in the U.S. are affected by diabetes, and around 25% of these individuals do not know they have the disease. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, with rising rates among youth being of particular concern. The disease is mainly classified as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

All forms of diabetes are diagnosed based on high blood glucose levels. These occur due to insufficient levels of the hormone insulin in the blood, but abnormalities in several different tissues contribute to the disease. All forms of diabetes can also result in debilitating complications, including eye, kidney and cardiovascular disease. At the UWMDI, our investigators study and treat all aspects of this devastating disease with a shared mission of a future free of disease related to diabetes and related metabolic disorders

The UWMDI draws upon the expertise of a wide range of investigators with complementary interests in diabetes, obesity, inflammation, lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Members of the Institute’s faculty conduct both basic research to clarify the mechanisms causing diabetes and obesity and their consequences, and translational research to transform their research findings into clinical solutions. Basic research at the UWMDI is comprised of 4 distinct programs.

  • Diabetes and the Islet
  • Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Diabetes and Complications
  • Data Science and AI
A person uses a lancet device to prick their finger for a blood sugar test, with sunlight illuminating the scene in the background. Smiling woman wearing glasses uses a glucose monitor on her upper arm, sitting indoors in a bright room.

Research Programs

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Diabetes Complications Program
Trainees in the Diabetes Complications Program investigate mechanisms contributing to cardiovascular, kidney, and eye complications of diabetes with the shared goal of preventing these diabetes complications.
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Diabetes and Metabolism
Our Diabetes and Metabolism Program covers both basic and clinical investigation into energy homeostasis, inflammation, and central nervous system control of metabolism.
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A healthcare professional wearing blue gloves uses a glucometer to check a patients blood sugar level by pricking their finger. The glucometer display shows a reading of 98 mg/dL.
Diabetes and the Islet Program
In the Diabetes and the Islet Program, we perform basic and translational research to better understand how and why the islet fails in diabetes. Our discoveries will help develop new, better therapies for people living with diabetes.
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Data Science and AI
Data science and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing diabetes research by enabling analysis of large, complex datasets to uncover new insights into disease progression and response to treatments. Our research program leverages biostatistics, bioinformatics, machine learning algorithms, and real-world evidence to accelerate the development of personalized treatment strategies and to improve outcomes for the millions of people living with diabetes worldwide.
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Program Directors

Dedicated UWMDI professionals committed to diabetes research.

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Karin Bornfeldt, PhD
Edwin L. Bierman Professor of Medicine, Director of Research and Complications of Diabetes Research Program, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Deputy Director, UW Diabetes Research Center, Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, bornf@uw.edu
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Gregory Morton, PhD
Research Professor of Medicine Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Director, Diabetes and Metabolism Program, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute
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Laura Pyle, PhD
Research Professor of Medicine Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Director, Biostatistics, Integrative Data Sciences and Multicenter Coordination, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute
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Donate to the Diabetes Institute Clinical Research Fund

Will you join us in courageously advancing the research that can lead to new therapies and improved care for people with diabetes?

Much of the good we accomplish is made possible by private support: by people and organizations underwriting leading-edge research and providing funding to train promising fellows. With your help, the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute is improving lives throughout the Northwest and around the world.

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