Director's Note

NIH is a central hub of medical research taking place throughout the country, through both studies conducted in our facilities or research funded by grants or contracts. A key part of this research includes clinical trials, which are vitally important for the future of research.

As we celebrate Clinical Trials Day 2019 on May 20, NIDDK created a video to urge everyone to consider participating in a clinical trial. We especially need diversity in research participants, to develop treatments and potential cures for all.

In addition to highlighting clinical trials that can inform medical knowledge, I hope this issue of the NIDDK Director’s Update is a good reminder of the importance of taking care of yourself. Self-care can start with some of the most basic daily habits – the foods we eat and how much sleep we get.

Dr. Christopher Lynch, who directs NIDDK’s Office of Nutrition Research, has built his career on the study of nutrition and how it affects health. Nutrition has a relationship with many diseases. Get to know Dr. Lynch and his office’s efforts to coordinate nutrition-related research in this issue.

New NIH-funded research also sheds light on how to get enough sleep – and unfortunately, catching up on weekends isn’t the answer – in our Research Updates section.

At NIDDK, we work every day to help people improve their health and quality of life. We hope this issue will serve as a reminder that the road to better health starts with you.

In good health,
Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., M.A.C.P.
Director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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