As with many diseases, future treatments for type 1 (insulin-dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes lie at the molecular and genetic levels. An elite team of UT Southwestern researchers studies the cells and tissues affected by diabetes and its co-morbidities -- including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and some forms of cancer -- to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this growing public-health threat. Much of this groundbreaking work takes place within the Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research, where physician-scientists, including Roger H. Unger, M.D., are devoted to the study of the cells and tissues that either contribute to or are affected by diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Dr. Unger's research focuses on understanding and defining the interrelationships between obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a collection of health risk factors that increases an individual's chances of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In this lecture, Dr. Unger will present an overview of his investigations into diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance.