Dr. Emily Sims and Dr. Sara Ibrahim working in a laboratory.

Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases

Advancing basic and translational research in diabetes and related metabolic disorders

The Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases (CDMD) at IU School of Medicine is a world-renowned center focused on centralizing and fostering research that strengthens the diabetes research base throughout Indiana.

As one of only 17 NIH-designated Diabetes Research Centers in the United States, the Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases is funded by both NIH and the IUPUI Signature Center Initiative.

Members of the CDMD and their partnerships represent a broad network of diabetes researchers in academia, heath care and industry across the state of Indiana.

Supported by four exceptional research cores, the highly collaborative research base includes more than 110 investigators engaged in basic, translational and clinical research along four fundamental themes of diabetes and related metabolic disorders.

Explore open funding opportunities

Applications for the 2026 Pilot & Feasibility Awards are closed. Please visit the Indiana CTSI website for other open funding opportunities.

Recent News

Headshot of Helen Young

Beyond the behavior: Understanding ADHD in children

Helen Young, PhD, a pediatric psychologist in Indianapolis, guides caregivers through ADHD diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

October 19, 2026

Two researchers pose for headshots

IU study finds obesity 'fuels' leukemia, but a combo using popular weight-loss drugs may stop it

IU cancer researchers found that obesity drives leukemia and identified a new treatment strategy combining popular weight-loss drugs with anti-inflammatory medications.

July 13, 2026

A woman in a lab coat looks into a microscope

Beta cells may play active role in triggering Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes may be sparked by early failures in the stress responses of insulin-producing beta cells long before the immune system attacks.

May 21, 2026

A man in glasses poses for a photo

Biochemistry professor honored as 2026 ASBMB fellow

Ronald Wek, PhD, the Showalter Professor of Biochemistry at the Indiana University School of Medicine, has been named a 2026 fellow by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

March 03, 2026

Jamie Felton, a diabetes researcher, working in the lab setting.

Diabetes researcher recalls past experiences, shares excitement for the future

Jamie L. Felton, MD, was diagnosed with diabetes as a child shortly after signing up to participate in a clinical study. Now she's a diabetes researcher working to keep others from being diagnosed in the future.

November 18, 2025