The Diabetes Research and Application Center (DİYAM) of Acıbadem University, one of Türkiye’s leading academic institutions, has signed a historic cooperation protocol with the Diabetes Technology Center at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), a global leader in diabetes technologies. This strategic partnership aims to initiate a new era in diabetes treatment that is more effective, personalized, and comfortable through AI-supported technologies, mobile monitoring systems, and sensor-based devices.
International scientific solidarity against the “silent pandemic”
Diabetes, defined by the World Health Organization as a “silent pandemic,” affects 537 million individuals, and this number is expected to exceed 630 million by 2045. The fact that Türkiye alone has 9 million diabetes patients, with 1.7 million undergoing insulin therapy, highlights the severity of the situation. Diabetes is also a major trigger for many life-threatening complications, ranging from cardiovascular diseases and vision loss to kidney failure and death.
A treatment revolution through artificial intelligence and advanced technology
Prof. Dr. M. Temel Yılmaz, Coordinator of Acıbadem University DİYAM, stated that with this protocol, a brand-new era has begun in diabetes treatment: “With sensor technology, AI-supported analysis systems, and mobile monitoring applications developed for the individual, we are redesigning treatment processes end to end. This partnership with UCSF will be a milestone for improving treatment excellence and the quality of scientific outcomes,” he emphasized.
Two Turkish scientists sign the protocol: Prof. Dr. Eda Cengiz and Prof. Dr. Temel Yılmaz
The protocol, signed by Prof. Dr. Eda Cengiz, Head of UCSF’s Pediatric Diabetes Program, and Prof. Dr. Temel Yılmaz, Coordinator of DİYAM, includes both the sharing of scientific knowledge and the co-development of patient-centered approaches.
Super intelligent systems
According to Prof. Dr. Eda Cengiz, the new generation of sensors and software developed by UCSF can learn the body’s response to insulin and make automatic dose adjustments. Thanks to the AI algorithms integrated into the device, it analyzes previous meals, metabolic responses, and physical activity to determine the required insulin dose. “The system can even analyze what you ate yesterday and optimize your dosage for the next day. This level of personalized treatment will transform the lives of people living with diabetes,” says Prof. Cengiz.
Comfortable monitoring with micro-sized, patch-like devices
Innovations in diabetes technology are not limited to intelligent algorithms. With nano-tech-supported systems, devices are now being reduced to micro sizes. In the future, insulin pumps will be as small as a band-aid. Prof. Dr. Eda Cengiz states, “Like smartphones, the technology is becoming smaller while functions are expanding exponentially. This represents a revolution in diabetes monitoring.”
Education, standards, and a vision for the future
Another important dimension of this strategic partnership is the goal of developing human resources. Prof. Dr. Eda Cengiz emphasized, “We will conduct joint training protocols to ensure that the entire diabetes team, including dietitians, nurses, and doctors, are trained with the most up-to-date knowledge,” highlighting the long-term impact of knowledge transfer.
Another groundbreaking step is the early detection of individuals at risk before diabetes develops. Although still in the research phase and not yet based on sensor data, AI models that analyze multidimensional data are being developed to predict diabetes. The goal is to intervene before the disease manifests.
A global partnership for diabetes treatment through high technology
The protocol between DİYAM and UCSF represents not only a collaboration between two institutions but also Türkiye’s active role in the global scientific arena of diabetes treatment and the future positioning of technology-based healthcare systems.
This response—grounded in science, technology, and international solidarity—to the growing burden of diabetes is not only crucial for today’s health but also vital for shaping the health of tomorrow.