The Institute of Metabolism and Physiology performs scientific research and offers educational courses on metabolism and its most frequent human disease: diabetes mellitus. Our research focuses on tissues that are key to diabetes: pancreatic islets, cardiovascular system, peripheral nervous system and liver. We also work on the development of new compounds and drugs to better treat multiple aspects of diabetes. 

In brief, pancreatic islets, which are located within the pancreas, regulate blood glucose concentrations by secreting polypeptide hormone, such as insulin; the cardiovascular system allows for transport of hormones, nutrients and oxygen to all tissues of the organism; the peripheral nervous system is able to register and transmit sensory signals and pain; and the liver regulates composition of the blood and is the only inner organ that can completely regenerate. Notably, all these tissues are needed for life. 

• Pancreatic Islets
• Cardiovascular System
• Peripheral nervous system
• Liver

Lammert & Zeeb, Metabolism of Human Diseases, Springer-Verlag Wien 2014
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas -7th Edition
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Vital Statistics Reports, 65(2)
World Health Organisation (WHO) Fact sheet No 371 on Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)