#United States #Oklahoma City #diabetes research #OU Health #Hamm Prize

Professor Dr. Annette-Gabriele Ziegler Receives Hamm Prize

The Harold Hamm International Prize for Biomedical Research in Diabetes is a significant recognition given for outstanding contributions to diabetes research. This year, the prestigious prize will be awarded to Professor Dr. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler, Director of the Institute of Diabetes Research at Helmholtz Munich, for her transformative work on Type 1 diabetes.

Background on the Prize

Established by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, the Hamm Prize aims to celebrate exceptional advancements in diabetes research, particularly focusing on Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It includes a substantial award of $250,000, making it one of the most notable honors in the field. The prize serves not only as recognition of individual achievements but also as encouragement for ongoing research efforts aimed at finding effective treatments and potential cures for diabetes.

Ziegler’s Contributions to Diabetes Research

Professor Ziegler’s research has outlined critical pathways in understanding the onset and prevention of Type 1 diabetes. Her efforts include:

• - BabyDiab: Initiated the first longitudinal study to investigate how and when Type 1 diabetes develops in infants.
• - Fr1da: Created a public screening initiative that identifies early signs of Type 1 diabetes, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives worldwide.
• - GPPAD: Established a European platform aimed at preventing autoimmune diabetes through extensive clinical trials and genetic screenings, enrolling over 2,000 infants at risk.

Moreover, her studies contributed significantly to the approval of teplizumab, the first drug authorized by the Food and Drug Administration which can delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes in at-risk populations.

The Scientific Insights

Professor Ziegler’s research has advanced the understanding of autoimmunity in Type 1 diabetes. Some of her pivotal findings include:

• - The role of autoimmune reactions to insulin in initiating Type 1 diabetes in young children.
• - The early onset of islet autoimmunity, emerging predominantly around ages 1 to 2.
• - The correlation between respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19, and an increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes in genetically predisposed children.
• - The early indicators of autoimmunity, including fluctuations in blood sugar and immune activity, often appearing several years before clinical diabetes manifests.

Ziegler's Vision and Future Directions

Dr. Ziegler stresses the importance of translational research in her work, believing that understanding the clinical ramifications of diabetes can lead to significant breakthroughs. As a physician as well as a researcher, she highlights how her relationship with patients has deeply influenced her scientific inquiries. Her mentor’s words, "A researcher is the best doctor," continue to inspire her efforts to bridge clinical practice with research initiatives.

The Award Ceremony

Dr. Ziegler will be honored at a gala event scheduled for October, marking a monumental occasion in diabetes research. With her leadership and diligence, it's hoped that her work will bring the scientific community closer to effective preventative measures and treatments for diabetes.

Dr. Jed Friedman of the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center acknowledges Ziegler’s trailblazing approach, which melds rigorous research with compassionate patient care. By facilitating novel intervention strategies, her work not only enhances the scientific canvas of diabetes research but also offers hope to those affected by this chronic condition.

For additional details on the Harold Hamm International Prize, visit the prize’s official website or engage with ongoing discussions on diabetes research through various health platforms.

About the University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a leading public research institution noted for its academic and health care contributions. The University's commitment to addressing pressing health issues through research is exemplified by the ongoing work within the OU Health Sciences and its focus on diabetes, among other pressing health concerns.