Endocrinology Research

The Henry Ford Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone and Mineral Metabolism has a long history of pioneering clinical research in the study of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, and participates in advancing the understanding and treatment of bone and mineral disorders through ongoing laboratory research.

Diabetes research at Henry Ford

National Institutes of Health clinical trials

The Henry Ford diabetes team was part of the landmark Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), under the auspices of Dr. Fred Whitehouse. The DCCT patients at Henry Ford and across the US have continued in a study called the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC). Henry Ford Health system is one of 28 centers across the US, participating in this DCCT/EDIC clinical research study.

Other major clinical studies included the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD), the ASPREE (Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) study, The PERL (The Preventing Early Renal Loss) study, Pathogenesis of Atypical Femur Fractures, to name a few.

Other research

The Henry Ford diabetes team participates in ongoing research for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes to improve medications and develop innovative methods for diabetes management:

• Diabetes medications: We participate in clinical trials for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which have resulted in safer and better insulin products. We have participated in studies studying the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 analogs, DPP-IV inhibitors and SGLT-2 inhibitors. 
• Continuous glucose monitoring: We have been pioneers in the use of Continuous glucose monitoring and have been involved in most studies evaluating this technology. Our center has developed an integrated continuous glucose monitoring program, emulated by other places. 
• Insulin delivery devices: We have a vast experience in the use of insulin pumps and based on this expertise, we were chosen to be the only study site for the Bionic Pancreas study. This is a revolutionary approach to providing pump therapy to our patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Bone and Mineral Research

• Our division has a rich legacy in Bone and Mineral Research, starting from the days of Dr. Robert Frost and Dr. Boy Frame and now continued by Dr. Sudhaker.D Rao. Dr. Rao, currently has several grants including two NIH grants, studying bone mechanics in osteoporosis. He was one of the first people to describe atypical fractures related to bisphosphonate therapy. He is involved in basic science research and has an active bone and mineral research