Research and Advocacy

At the USC Westside Diabetes Center, Dr. Anne L. Peters’ six-member core research team has worked together for more than 20 years, completing more than 34 studies aimed at transforming diabetes care—from testing innovative medications and devices to developing preventive strategies. Their research and advocacy in diabetes prevention, treatment, technology, education, and community programming have had a profound impact on patients in Los Angeles and around the world.  

 

Access 

Many of our studies give patients early access to new solutions. These include participation in the T1D Exchange Network, which tested a closed-loop insulin delivery system and evaluated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in seniors and in family members without diabetes.  

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We were among the first centers to test the Dexcom G6 CGM sensor, the Omnipod 5 insulin pump for people with type 2 diabetes, and the Omnipod 5 SmartAdjust (upgraded algorithm) for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  

 

We also continue to be part of TrialNet, an international network studying how type 1 diabetes can be prevented. 

  

Prevention 
We are committed to studying how lifestyle approaches—including diet, exercise, and weight loss—can improve long-term health outcomes. Our team conducts community-based research to help entire neighborhoods become healthier, including establishing and evaluating the impact of farmers markets. 

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Advocacy 
Dr. Peters is leading an effort to update Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) policy for insulin pump approval for seniors and has advocated for expanded CMS coverage of CGMs for seniors and for people with Medicaid. 

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Research Partners

 The Center’s diabetes research and advocacy efforts are supported by major federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health; private organizations including the Leona M. & Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF); industry partners such as Insulet Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, and Dexcom Inc.; and the generosity of individual donors. 

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Recent budget cuts across diabetes funding sectors—and at the University of Southern California—have put our team at risk. Click here to learn how you can help. 

 

Check back often to see if you qualify for one of our research studies  

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​Currently Enrolling Adult Volunteers for
App-Based Study ​

We are seeking volunteers to test a new app-based therapy designed to help people living with Type 1 diabetes improve their blood sugar control.  

 

T1D Exercise and App-Based Study Seeking Volunteers 

The purpose of the study is to learn more about a decision support tool that may help in managing your diabetes. This investigational device, called DailyDose, will track your sensor glucose, insulin use, and exercise. It will use this information to give you personalized recommendations for your insulin doses and suggestions for carbohydrate intake for exercise and low glucose events. We want to find out if DailyDose can lower your blood sugar as measured by the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test. You may also be asked to join weekly or every-other-week diabetes education sessions and behavioral health sessions if it is determined you could benefit from this coaching. 
 

You may be eligible to participate if:  

• You are 18 or older 

• Have had Type 1 diabetes for at least 1 year 

• Have an HbA1c between 7.5–11.5% 

• Use multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) 

• Have not started or changed the dose of non-insulin glucose-lowering agents (examples include metformin or semaglutide)  

• Do not have cardiovascular, renal, or liver disease  

What is involved? 

• Up to 8 onsite and/or virtual visits 

• Completing online questionnaires 

• You may ask to join weekly or every-other-week diabetes coaching sessions over a 12-week period 

• Use of a study iPhone, Apple Watch, and Dexcom G6 

To learn more about volunteering for this study, contact Martha Walker mawalker@usc.edu or Sara Dokhan  serafind@usc.edu
Study Phone: (323) 362-1322 
 

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