UCI Giving Day 2021

Dr. Qin Yang, pictured above in his lab, is the Interim Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and the Diabetes Center. His team of physicians and scientists includes: Drs. Bogi Andersen, Nairi Berner, Almoatazbellah Idriss and Samar Singh.

“Dr. Qin Yang is wonderful. He is one of the most responsive, compassionate and knowledgeable physicians I have ever known. I met him through volunteer work, and I have used him several times as a general practitioner for myself and my family. He is extremely attentive, responsive and always knows what we need to do. If he promises to follow-up, he does it immediately. Also, he is an extraordinary diabetes researcher leading a team of other impressive researchers. I have learned how important it is to have an academic medical center in Orange County and I understand all that they can offer. This is why my family has supported UCI Health and the Diabetes Center for the past 14 years."

- Adrienne Thomas, UCI Diabetes Executive Council Board Member

Mission of the UCI Diabetes Center:

Diabetes affects nearly 26 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. It is the leading cause of kidney failure, adult blindness and amputations of limbs not associated with trauma. Diabetes affects 65% of adults age 65 and over in Orange County, and Type 2 diabetes is expected to grow by 80% over the next five years in California.

UCI Health physicians are conducting breakthrough research that offers people in our community and beyond new methods for treatment and hope for a healthier tomorrow. The UCI Diabetes Center opened a clinical trials unit in October 2019, leading to the first and only clinical trial using stem cell derived islet cell transplantation for Type 1 diabetes.

Now, more than ever, we need to step up our efforts to find a cure for diabetes. As you probably have heard in the news, those with a serious underlying disease such as diabetes, who contract the flu or COVID-19, are more likely than others to develop potentially serious complications. In addition, any illness can make diabetes more difficult to control.

With your support, we can continue our innovative research and expand our clinical trials to provide more hope and healing to those affected by diabetes. Help us uphold our mission to be a center of integrity and responsibility dedicated to preventing diabetes, improving care and advancing science to find a cure.

People like you propel the UCI Diabetes Center forward. We hope you will make a gift today to support the fight to find a cure.

Help us meet the challenge of unlocking a generous $25,000 gift for the UCI Diabetes Center by being one of the first 25 gifts made today!

Thank you for your support!