Mission and Aims

Diabetes affects over 34 million Americans, is associated with billions of dollars in health expenditures and lost productivity, and Southeastern states are disproportionately impacted. Robust evidence has shown that lifestyle interventions in people at high risk for diabetes and comprehensive management of cardio-metabolic risk factors like glucose, blood pressure, and lipids can delay the onset of diabetes and its complications. However, realizing the benefits of this robust evidence has been hampered by low adoption of lifestyle interventions to prevent diabetes, and there are still large gaps in achievement of care goals for those with diabetes and differences in complications and morbidity, especially among young adults, minority, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. To close these gaps and disparities, we need a combination of health system, clinician, community, and individual implementation strategies that promote equitable adoption and effectiveness, and are feasible and scalable to do in the real-world. Translational research, which includes implementation science, health services research, community-engaged participatory research, and health system and policy evaluations can help demonstrate what works in real-life clinical and community settings and what adaptations and processes are required to embed these interventions into routine practice, programs, and policy.

At the Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research (GCDTR), our mission is to address the significant challenges posed by diabetes and its complications in the Southeastern United States, particularly among vulnerable populations affected by adverse socioeconomic circumstances. Established through a collaborative partnership between Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the Georgia Institute of Technology, we are dedicated to advancing health equity by bridging the gap between evidence-based diabetes prevention and care and its real-world implementation. Through interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and the innovative use of technology, we strive to improve the lives of individuals affected by diabetes and comorbidities, reduce health disparities, and enhance overall well-being in our region.

GCDTR is one of seven NIDDK-funded Centers for Diabetes Translation Research (CDTR). To learn more about CDTRs supporting and enhancing type 2 translation research, click here.