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DiaComp
The NIDDK Diabetic Complications Consortium (DiaComp) originated in 2001 as the Animal Models of Diabetic Complications Consortium (AMDCC). The AMDCC was subsequently renewed in 2006 and evolved into the Diabetic Complications Consortium under a subsequent funding opportunity announcement (FOA). The DiaComp program is designed to foster communication and collaboration between investigator communities involved in diabetic complications research. In 2011, the coordinating and bioinformatics activities of both the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Centers (MMPC) and DiaComp programs were consolidated into a single Coordinating and Bioinformatics Unit (CBU). The MMPC/DiaComp-CBU is responsible for organizing meetings and workshops as needed to enhance sharing of data and resources across both programs and with the research community at large. The MMPC/DiaComp CBU is also responsible for administering “opportunity pool” funds for both programs.

Background
Diabetes is a disease that afflicts approximately 29.1 million people in the United States. Total direct costs associated with this disease are $176 billion annually with chronic complications associated with diabetes accounting for approximately 30% of the total. The complications due to diabetes include neurological, cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, renal and ophthalmic diseases and are the primary contributors to the disability and mortality associated with diabetes. Forty four percent of new cases of end stage renal disease in the US can be credited to diabetes while 65% of the deaths associated with diabetes are related to heart damage. Extensive investigations into the etiology of the various diabetic complications have included both human and animal model studies looking into the molecular mechanisms causing these complications. Although these research programs have provided valuable insight, the molecular etiology for the various diabetic complications remains speculative.