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Helmholtz Diabetes Center

Our research at the Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HDC) aims to understand the molecular bases underlying all forms of diabetes, its heterogeneity and risk factors, including obesity, as well as its complications and comorbidities. We combine world-leading basic research with clinical intervention and cohort studies to develop tomorrow’s diabetes precision medicine.

Our research at the Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HDC) aims to understand the molecular bases underlying all forms of diabetes, its heterogeneity, and risk factors, including obesity, as well as its complications and comorbidities. We combine world-leading basic research with clinical intervention and cohort studies to develop tomorrow’s diabetes precision medicine. 

Our Research Areas

Molecular model of insulin molecule, 3D illustration
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Diabetes and its Risk Factors

We identify risk factors for diabetes in children and adults and its complications. Our world-class basic research enables us to define new biomarker for its development and progression and therapeutic targets.

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Helmholtz Munich | Andreas Pfohl

Prevention and Personalized Therapies

We are leading in early detection and prevention of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as development of innovative personalized therapies to combat diabetes and obesity.

3d rendering of Human cell or Embryonic stem cell microscope background.
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Regenerative Therapies for Diabetes and its Complications

We develop new venues for cell-based therapies, to reestablish a health metabolic function. We jointly work to identify the molecular basis of diabetes complications and means for their remission.

Our Scientists at the Helmholtz Diabetes Center

Stephan Herzig Porträt freigestellt

Prof. Dr. Stephan Herzig

Director & Head of Division Diabetic Complications View profile
Anette G. Ziegler_84_freigestellt

Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler

Institute Director, Chair of Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes, Klinikum rechts der Isar and Technical University of Munich, Director of the Global Platform for the Prevention of Autoimmune Diabetes (GPPAD) View profile
PI-/MA-Bilder Matthias Blüher_EH6A7638_Hintergrund freigestellt

Prof. Dr. Matthias Blüher

HI-MAG Director and Head of Clinical Obesity Research Group View profile
Martin Hrabe de Angelis _ Portrait NEU_freigestellt

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Martin Hrabě De Angelis

Research Director Helmholtz Munich, Full Professor and Chair of Experimental Genetics Technical University Munich, Director of the Institute of Experimental Genetics Helmholtz Munich View profile
Siegfried Ussar Porträt freigestellt

Dr. Siegfried Ussar

Director of Research Unit Adipocytes and Metabolism View profile

We Fight Diabetes!

Thanks to basic research, groundbreaking innovations against obesity as well as in the field of diabetes prevention and therapy are emerging at Helmholtz Munich.

Our News

Selected Publications

See all Publications

Research School for Diabetes

Networks and Affiliations

Contact Director of Operations

Portrait Tobias Schafmeier_freigestellt

Dr. Tobias Schafmeier

Director of Operations

Contact Coordinator

Anne Caniard_freigestellt

Dr. Anne Caniard

Coordinator HDC

Building 3620, Room 315b