Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism
Advancing Research to Improve Metabolic Health
Addressing the Diabetes and Obesity Epidemic
The Paso del Norte region faces high rates of diabetes and obesity, creating both challenges and opportunities for scientific advancement. The Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism is dedicated to cutting-edge research aimed at improving metabolic health in the U.S.-Mexico border region and beyond. Our interdisciplinary team brings together biomedical, translational, clinical, and population health researchers to tackle diabetes-related disparities and develop new strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Key Research Focus Areas
Understanding Regional Health Disparities
- Diabetes prevalence in El Paso County exceeds both Texas and national averages.
- Diabetes-related deaths in the region are 50% higher than the U.S. average.
- Research explores how societal, geographic, and regional factors drive these disparities.
Early Detection of Type 2 Diabetes
- Current blood tests (fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c) fail to detect the earliest stages of diabetes.
- Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism scientists are discovering and validating new biomarkers to identify at-risk individuals sooner.
- Research aims to preserve pancreatic insulin secretion and prevent diabetes progression.
Pancreatic Islet & Beta Cell Research
- Investigating how pancreatic beta cells function and fail in diabetes.
- Exploring potential beta cell regeneration strategies to reverse or better control diabetes.
Complications & Treatment Innovations
- Research into diabetic nerve and kidney damage to improve prevention and treatment.
- Evaluating new therapies to combat chronic complications affecting quality of life.
State-of-the-Art Facilities & Community Impact
- Advanced Research Labs: Equipped for cutting-edge cellular, genetic, and metabolic studies.
- Clinical & Translational Research: Connecting discoveries to real-world patient care.
- Community-Focused Approach: Addressing unique challenges in border-region health care.
Our Commitment to Health Equity
- Bridging Research & Community Needs – Developing targeted interventions for underserved populations.
- Preventative & Precision Medicine – Identifying early-risk factors to delay or prevent disease onset.
- Collaborative Partnerships – Working with health care providers, public health officials, and policymakers to drive impact.