Eli Lilly and Co. and the William Sansum Diabetes Center have agreed to collaborate on a five-year research plan with the goal of bettering the lives Latino people affected by diabetes.
"The tremendous burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease bears a disproportionate weight on Latino families in the United States," Dr. David Kerr, director of Innovation and Research for the William Sansum Diabetes Center, said in a company release. "This collaboration with Lilly will allow us to gain a better understanding of how we can help these families."
Latino people make up 43 percent of all residents in Santa Barbara County, and they suffer a much higher rate of cardio-metabolic disease, according to the release. This is due to more than just a biological risk; Dr. Kerr said he thinks economics, culture and education all play a part, as well.
Lilly representatives think the collaboration will provide a unique understanding of patients’ needs.
"This is a great opportunity for us to further understand the significant impact of diabetes for Latino families," Dr. Dara Schuster, senior director of U.S. Medical Affairs for Lilly Diabetes, said in the release. "Through this collaboration, we will learn where the gaps are so we can develop meaningful solutions for the unmet needs."
