Joslin Diabetes Center is teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School based in Boston, MA with several locations in the U.S. and centers in Canada and Kuwait. An internationally recognized research leader, Joslin Center for Diabetes is able to combat all forms of diabetes by combining research with clinical applications and education. The mission of Joslin Diabetes Center is “to improve the lives of people with diabetes and its complications thought innovative care, education, and research that will lead to prevention and cure the disease.” Elliot P. Joslin, M.D., founded the center with the belief that patients should be involved in their care, empowering and educating them to make health choices. A Harvard graduate, Joslin’s research and private practice eventually led to one of the most respected diabetes research institutions, boasting important developments in diabetes knowledge and treatment.
Joslin Diabetes Center – Historical Discoveries
Beginning his research career at the turn of the 20th century, Dr. Joslin began investigating the effects of certain types of food on diabetes and glucose metabolism. Building on the research of Dr. Joslin and scientist, researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center perfected the A1c test in 1976, revolutionizing the assessment of blood glucose levels. In the ‘80s Joslin researchers found that type 1 diabetes develops over years, leading to hope of delaying or even preventing the onset of diabetes. In type 2 research Joslin scientist also found that insulin resistance was a precursor to diabetes unless the individual lost weight. In 1996 Joslin researcher Steven E. Shoelson, M.D., Ph.D identified the molecular pathway NF-kB linking obesity to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, demonstrating in 2005 research the inflammatory effect of obesity and the therapeutic use of anti-inflammatory drugs. With numerous research breakthroughs accredited to the Joslin Diabetes Center and its scientists, Dr. Joslin’s legacy continues.
Joslin Diabetes Center – Patient Care
Addressing all forms of diabetes and its complications, the Joslin Diabetes Center separates patients into its Adult Clinic and Pediatrics. Within these two clinics are the Asian Clinic, Cardiovascular Program, Eye Care, Foot Care, Geriatrics, Latino Clinic, Mental Health and Counseling Services, Nutrition Program, Peripheral Neuropathy Clinic and more providing multidisciplinary patient care at the Joslin Diabetes Center. Pediatric physicians at the Joslin Diabetes Center are also staff members at the Children’s Hospital Boston, facilitating patient care and hospitalization between the two institutions. The center’s website provides information for parents and teens on how to properly manage type 1 diabetes, keeping healthy while addressing the particular needs of children and teens who are also experiencing developmental changes as well. Joslin Diabetes Center also runs an outpatient program for new-onset patients that meet the center’s criteria.
