Translational research in diabetes, lipids and obesity

Problem

Metabolic diseases constitute one of the main health problems in our society. Diabetes, dyslipidaemia and obesity are highly prevalent diseases that are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cognitive deterioration and certain types of cancer. Characterizing these diseases correctly, understanding why they can lead to other severe diseases, and designing better treatments for them, are priorities.

Approach

The group carries out research on diabetes (type 1, type 2 and other forms), obesity and dyslipidaemia from the perspective of epidemiology, clinical research and laboratory research. In studies in humans, it uses a broad range of clinical and metabolic characterization techniques, vascular ultrasound, neuroimaging, molecular techniques and computational techniques. It integrates this information to provide a better description of the diseases in their field of research, with the understanding that thorough knowledge of the diseases is the basis for effective, personalized medicine.

The group also uses this information to improve currently available treatments. Finally, it seeks new therapeutic alternatives based on cell-biology studies and studies in animal models. The group’s goal is to translate this knowledge obtained in the laboratory into clinical practice in the near future.

The group consists of a multidisciplinary research team of biologists, physicians, nutritionists and nurses, and creates ad hoc teams based on the questions to be answered at any given moment. It also works in collaboration with other IDIBAPS groups and with groups from other universities around the country.

Impact

Improving knowledge of diseases with a high prevalence is a priority for the group if we want the healthcare system to be sustainable.