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“ We have an edge. That’s why the center is soimportant. All or our physicians are backed up by starendocrinologists who can back up the entire operation.”Gerald J. Pepe, PhDdean and provost of EVMS“Dr. Vinik’s program is world famous,” Dr.Nadler says. “People fly in from all over the worldto see him. He’s carrying out funded research inneuropathy, clinical research with patients.”And, finally, there is the opportunity at EVMS,an independent medical school that has close tieswith area hospitals and health practitioners, to sharethose discoveries throughout the community.“What is learned in the lab is translated intopatient care,” says Etta Vinik, head of the center’sEducation Division. “The patient has the advantageof research at a really early stage.”Dan Welch appreciates the center’s dedicationto its patients. He has been treated at the EVMSStrelitz Diabetes Center for nearly three years. Hehas been a Type 1 diabetic for nearly 28.“The way the disease goes,” he says, “it doesn’tget better with time.” But after his primary carephysician referred him to the center, he has seengreat improvements.The center’s team put him on a continuousglucose monitor, with a receiver about the size of atiny cell phone and a button he inserts into his sidethat sends continuous blood sugar readings.Now, he says, he can see problems beforethey become severe. And the nighttime“crashes” are gone, with an alarm thatalerts him before “I am in real trouble.”“Without pricking my finger every fiveminutes I can get way ahead of trying totake any action I need to,” he says.He knows his team, which includes Dr.Nadler, is up to speed with everything thatis going on with the disease and technology.“I have a very active day-to-day life,”says Mr. Welch, who is president andgeneral manager of the BAE SystemsShipyard in Norfolk, which used to beknown as Norshipco. “I am on the go allthe time. This thing has really allowed meto keep up with all of that and not find myself introuble at various points along the day.”Dr. Wilson, who once served on the DiabetesInstitute Foundation’s board of directors, is anoutspoken advocate of the center. He frequentlydrops by and counsels fellow patients to havepatience, that they will see gradual improvementsif they stick with the program like he did.Raymond Williams19 years living with diabetes“They’re doing a great job over there,” Dr.Wilson says.Mr. Welch agrees. He is also a promoter of theclinic and thankful that it exists and is expanding.“We are fortunate to have it in our community,”he says. “They are a true bunch of professionals.Those of us who are lucky enough to be over thereare very appreciative of the facility there and thegreat medical care we get through the center.”diabetes research www.eVMS.EDU Fall 200927