Public forum will discuss new study findings; provide resources for diabetes-concerned community
Left to Right: Sharon Saydah, Ph.D.; Dr. Jay Skyler
April 15, 2022 – The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF), a leading organization focused on funding efforts to find the cure for diabetes, along with the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will host a conversation addressing the emerging link between new diagnoses of diabetes in individuals who had the COVID-19 virus during the pandemic. The virtual panel, which will be led by DRIF CEO, Sean Kramer, DRI Deputy Director, Dr. Jay Skyler, and Senior Scientist at the CDC, Sharon Saydah, Ph.D., is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m.
For the past five decades, Dr. Skyler has dedicated his career to diabetes, beginning as a medical student in 1967. Dr. Skyler’s research has always been conducted in clinical aspects of diabetes and has focused on improving the care and management of type 1 diabetes.
“Through collaborating with the CDC, we are able to bring awareness to and understanding of these new findings that are causing concern for many in our communities,” said Dr. Jay Skyler, Deputy Director at the DRI. “By breaking down the meaning of these new studies, we can educate and empower individuals to understand their risk and take the steps necessary to take charge of their wellness.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Sharon Saydah’s research focused on public health and diabetes among youth and young adults, as well as best methods for prevention. Dr. Saydah currently serves as the deputy team lead for the Applied Epidemiologic Studies in the Respiratory Viruses Branch, leading research on the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Sean Kramer, DRIF CEO, will also be featured as a guest on the virtual panel alongside, Dr. Saydah and Dr. Skyler. During his tenure at DRIF, Kramer was able to steer the organization into immense fundraising success amid the pandemic, generating more revenue than the previous year, despite all the turmoil. Kramer has been instrumental in finding innovative ways to tell the DRIF story and in supporting some of the greatest advancements in diabetes research to date.
“The DRI’s mission of finding the cure for diabetes now is made possible in large part by the unparalleled leadership and collaboration with organizations like the CDC,” said Sean Kramer, DRIF CEO. “Dr. Saydah’s leadership in diabetes research is truly groundbreaking. With Dr. Saydah and her team and the findings from recent studies, we are all confident that this will be instrumental in shaping the future of diabetes research.”
For more information about the upcoming event and to learn about the link between COVID-19 and diabetes, please fill out the registration form.
About the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and Foundation
The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and Foundation were created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be the singular focus until that goal is reached. As one of the largest and most comprehensive research centers dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is working to restore natural insulin production and normalize blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. Researchers have already shown that transplanted insulin-producing islet cells allow people with type 1 diabetes to live without the need for insulin injections. Some of the DRI’s islet transplant patients have been free from insulin for more than 10 years. Funding provided by the Foundation is the driving force that allows DRI scientists to pursue new and innovative ideas, and to speed these discoveries to patients. The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is the organization of choice for those who want to Be Part of the Cure. For more information, please visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 800-321-3437.
