Nearly 40 million Americans face the daily challenges of diabetes, a chronic disease that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. This American Diabetes Month, Wayne State University continues to lead the fight against diabetes, advancing research and pioneering new solutions.

A condition that impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, diabetes affects 38.4 million Americans, including 352,000 children. Many of these cases are concentrated in minority communities, where health care disparities can worsen complications. Through innovative research and community outreach, Wayne State is working to close these gaps, empowering individuals and families to manage and prevent diabetes more effectively.

Among those leading this work is Colleen Buggs-Saxton, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatric endocrinologist at Wayne Pediatrics and associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the genetic and lifestyle factors contributing to Type 2 diabetes in young people, especially in underserved communities. By addressing the unique risks in this group, she seeks early interventions to prevent or slow disease progression.

“The number of new cases is rising, especially among ethnic minority groups,” said Buggs-Saxton. “We’re seeing more young patients arriving very sick, sometimes with life-threatening symptoms. Early detection and awareness are key to intervening before it reaches that point.”

Through her research, Buggs-Saxton aims to equip families with the knowledge to recognize early signs of diabetes, helping change the disease’s trajectory for young people at risk.

“We need to raise awareness, particularly in high-risk communities,” she said. “By educating families, we help them recognize symptoms early. Many aren’t aware until facing serious complications; by then, the risk is far greater. Our goal is prevention.”

On the adult side of diabetes research, Berhane Seyoum, M.D., MPH, leads initiatives to understand and address insulin resistance. With two NIH-funded studies, Seyoum’s research employs insulin clamp studies and muscle biopsies to understand insulin resistance mechanisms.

“The insulin clamp study is invaluable, allowing us to pinpoint exactly where insulin resistance occurs,” said Seyoum, a professor in the School of Medicine’s Division of Endocrinology. “Identifying where resistance happens lets us develop targeted solutions essential for transforming diabetes management in the future.”

Seyoum’s program also offers hands-on training for future endocrinologists, guiding them in modern diabetes care. The program advises against using insulin as a primary treatment for Type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance — not deficiency — is the main issue. His team explores new medications and technologies, like continuous glucose monitoring, to enhance diabetes management precision and accessibility.

School of Medicine Dean Wael Sakr, M.D., highlighted Wayne State’s commitment to empowering communities in the fight against diabetes.

“At Wayne State, empowering health means more than providing care: It’s about creating sustainable change,” he said. “Through research and community outreach, we’re giving families and individuals the tools to manage and prevent diabetes. By bridging gaps in treatment and education, we help communities take control of their health and futures.”