Diabetes research: are we getting anywhere?

Although 75 years have elapsed since the discovery of insulin, diabetes mellitus continues to be a chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, progress in basic and clinical research has advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. The development of animal models has facilitated research into the autoimmune processes that underlie insulin-dependent diabetes, although the factors that trigger these mechanisms still remain a mystery. Research into non-insulin-dependent diabetes has furthered our understanding of the action of insulin at the molecular and cellular level and raised questions about the genetic basis of the disease. In addition, concerted efforts are being made to improve insulin therapy and develop interventions to prevent or mitigate the complications of diabetes. Researchers are now on the threshold of testing new therapies that one day may change the long-term outcome for people with diabetes.