 |
 |
| 2008 Annual Report | Leadership Report | Philanthropy Report | Board of Trustees | Year in Review |
|
The Joslin Diabetes Center is passionate about fulfilling the hopes and dreams of people with diabetes and their families. We seek to improve the lives of all people with diabetes and provide the greatest hope for a cure. Only at Joslin, where world-class researchers, clinicians and educators are integrated in a multi-disciplinary approach that reflects the complexity of diabetes can the progress be seen so clearly. Accomplishments of 2008 include a breakthrough that demonstrated a significant portion of people with type 1 diabetes for 50 or more years still have the capacity to produce insulin. This astounding finding has the potential to improve treatment for all with the disease. Other research identified a new source for insulin-producing cells from pancreatic progenitor cells. These two discoveries have radically broadened our approach to a cure. |
2008 also saw breakthroughs in type 2 diabetes and obesity. In an exciting development, Joslin researchers reported that an anti-inflammatory drug called salsalate may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Inflammation has been identified as a key cause of diabetes. In addition, Joslin's dedication to high risk ethnic groups continues. One startling study showed that Hispanic children with normal blood glucose levels, yet who were overweight, had elevated markers for blood vessel inflammation that may lead to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Joslin's bedrock commitment to education was in full force with the release of the Second Edition of Joslin's Diabetes Deskbook - A Guide for Primary Care Providers as well as Staying Healthy with Diabetes: Weight & Wellness, the latest in our Staying Healthy with Diabetes series. These advancements are a direct result of philanthropic support. FY 2008 was Joslin's best fundraising year because of the deep commitment from our Board of Trustees, individual donors, community supporters, foundations and corporations. With all of your support, we are able to deliver on our mission. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Joslin Diabetes Center and for making dreams come true for people with diabetes and their families. The future holds great promise.
|
