Putting Santa Barbara on the Global Map of Diabetes Research

Santa Barbara has earned global recognition as a premier destination for “sand, sun, and sea” vacations. Yet, one lesser-known facet of this beachfront haven is its pivotal role in pioneering international diabetes research and treatment. Santa Barbara holds the distinction of being the birthplace of insulin production and administration in America, a groundbreaking achievement dating back to 1922. Leading this historic endeavor was the founder of Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI), Dr. William Sansum.

“You’d be surprised how many people don’t know about Dr. Sansum’s legacy in Santa Barbara,” says SDRI Executive Director Ellen Goodstein, Esq., MEd. “Dr. Sansum was the first person in the United States to manufacture and administer insulin to save the lives of those living with diabetes, making Santa Barbara a mecca for diabetes care.”

It’s been over a century since Dr. Sansum introduced insulin production protocols in the U.S., and nearly 80 years (1944) since he founded SDRI to continue to advance diabetes research into the future. Today SDRI is the renowned jewel in the crown of diabetes research and development.

“SDRI is respected locally and globally for our research in diabetes. Our scientists are not only developing and researching life-changing therapies, our team is also trusted and respected by industry companies to help advance their research initiatives,” continues Goodstein.

Another prominent figure in SDRI’s legacy is Dr. Lois Jovanovic, who dedicated 26 years to the institute. Dr. Jovanovic’s pioneering research changed the global protocol for women with diabetes in pregnancy, resulting in uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy babies where before there was likelihood of an early miscarriage or a stillborn baby.

Kara Hornbuckle, SDRI’s Director of Development, can speak to what this means, to her personally and to women across the globe. “I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for most of my life,” she says. “Dr. Jovanovic paved the way for women like me to be able to have children. People who know of Dr. Jovanovic’s work – and are familiar with the risks of diabetes during pregnancy – will refer their patients to SDRI. “

Dr. Jovanovic’s vision also led SDRI researchers to develop what they refer to as the artificial pancreas system – a wearable device that takes a real-time measure of blood sugar, delivering a precisely calibrated dose of insulin to manage glucose control 24 hours a day. 

While SDRI’s reach and influence are global, Santa Barbara’s demographics help to inform a new initiative being conducted here. The Latino community comprises nearly half of the greater Santa Barbara population, said Dr. Samuel Klein, SDRI’s Chief Scientific Officer. 

“People of Latino backgrounds are at much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the complications of diabetes than the Caucasian population. SDRI is dedicated to addressing the health issues of this underserved population by actively collaborating with leaders in the Latino community and launching a series of new clinical studies aimed at transforming the health of our local Latino population,” added Dr. Klein.

With the support of a generous public, Santa Barbara’s world-renowned Sansum Diabetes Research Institute will continue the great strides begun in 1922.