Dr. Clark is interested in studying type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of the insulin producing pancreatic beta cells and it typically develops during childhood. Unlike the more common type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes is not associated with obesity. Patients with type 1 diabetes live a lifetime dependent upon multiple injection of insulin per day. They must also carefully consider food intake and the effects of exercise and stress on blood glucose. To keep blood glucose from going dangerously high or low, patients must do fingersticks up to 10 times per day to help guide insulin and diet therapy. The daily burden of disease management is considerable. As a result, most patients are unable to adhere to a regimen that prevents complications such as blindness, nerve and kidney disease, stroke and heart attack.
Clinically, Dr Clark is determined to achieve the highest level of medical management for type 1 diabetes while taking into account the psychological and social manifestations of adhering to the strict regimen that is necessary to prevent complications. This includes the use of novel technologies including insulin pumps, other novel methods of insulin delivery and continuous glucose monitors. He is also interested in the development of diabetes management programs that utilize the skills of many professionals such as nutritionists, diabetes educators, psychologists and endocrinologists.
Understanding the limitations of medical management, Dr. Clark’s laboratory research is focused on finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. He has investigated both adult and embryonic stem cells for their ability to repair or replace insulin producing beta cells that are destroyed in type 1 diabetes. Dr. Clark’s current research focuses on pancreatic development and regeneration and other cellular therapies for diabetes such as islet transplantation
