About

The Alberta Diabetes Institute is Canada's largest stand-alone research facility dedicated to translating discovery science into health solutions for the prevention, treatment and cure of diabetes.

In 2002, plans were put into place to build one of the world’s most outstanding and comprehensive research facilities at the University of Alberta dedicated to studying diabetes: the Alberta Diabetes Institute. This was a logical progression given that the University has been the site of numerous advancements in Type 1 diabetes research and application. These advancements included Dr. James Collip’s contributions towards the purification and first clinical use of insulin in 1922, as well as the internationally acclaimed Edmonton Protocol for transplanting islet cells and relieving patients of daily insulin injections. The first islet transplants using this technique were performed in 1999, and the Edmonton Protocol has since become the world’s gold standard for routine clinical islet transplantation programs.

Expertise in Type 2 diabetes research has also grown at the University in multiple disciplines, including metabolism, nutrition, and physical activity. 

In 2007 the Alberta Diabetes Institute opened its doors and is now home to leading researchers that produce an integrated and collaborative research environment, reflecting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to conquering diabetes.