OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center

01/16/2026

OU Health is home to bold, collaborative science, and new research from across our campus is offering exciting insights for people living with Type 2 diabetes. A recent review led by Elizabeth Wellberg, Ph.D., at the OU College of Medicine looked closely at GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and liraglutide. These drugs have already transformed diabetes care, and now researchers are uncovering even more potential benefits.

This kind of forward-thinking research is happening every day across the OU Health campus, driven by our shared commitment to improving the lives of all Oklahomans. It is an exciting glimpse into how today’s therapies may shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

At OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, we want to keep you informed about research that could impact your health. A recent review by Elizabeth Wellberg, Ph.D., a researcher and assistant professor of pathology at the OU College of Medicine, explored GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and liraglutide, which are commonly used for diabetes and weight loss, and examined their possible connection to cancer.

GLP-1 drugs help control blood sugar and appetite. Encouragingly, studies show these medications do not increase cancer risk. In fact, Dr. Wellberg shared, “We found evidence that people using GLP-1 drugs do not experience higher overall cancer rates compared with non-users. Some studies even reported lower incidence of cancer, including colorectal, liver, prostate and endometrial cancers.” Animal research also suggests these drugs might directly slow tumor growth, even in the absence of weight loss.

Researchers are also exploring whether GLP-1 medications boost the immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate abnormal cells. As Dr. Wellberg explained, “It may be that GLP-1s create a heightened surveillance in immune cells that makes them better at getting rid of damaged cells before they turn cancerous.” While these findings are promising, more long-term clinical trials are needed to understand how GLP-1 medications could be used to prevent or treat cancer.

Stephenson Cancer Center is proud to be part of this trailblazing work as the academic healthcare partner of The University of Oklahoma, advancing shared missions of teaching, research and clinical care.

11/25/2025

Every 30 seconds, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes, typically Type 2, but many people live with it undiagnosed and unaware of the warning signs.

Your lifestyle, diet, exercise habits, and stress levels all play a role in your risk for Type 2 diabetes. But you can better understand your risk with a quick assessment and take action before diabetes starts!

🎯 Take 60 seconds to complete a Type 2 diabetes risk assessment: https://brnw.ch/21wXOnv

11/21/2025

Meet Odysseus Autrey, a 10-year-old who was admitted to Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health in 2024 with COVID-19 and strep throat. During his stay, doctors discovered he had Type 1 diabetes, a diagnosis that came too late to prevent serious complications.

Odysseus developed mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection linked to uncontrolled blood sugar. He endured nearly 20 surgeries and received emergency FDA-approval for an antifungal drug. After six months in intensive care, Odysseus is back to school and orchestra, managing his diabetes every day.

His story is a powerful reminder to know the signs of diabetes —extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue — and to seek care early.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center is committed to advancing research, education and care to find a cure.

“We're looking for the cures to Type 1 and Type 2," said Dr. David Sparling, OU Health pediatric endocrinologist. "There are always new things coming, which is exciting. I really can say to Odysseus and families like his that we're actually closer to a cure than we've ever been.”

11/20/2025

November is Diabetes Awareness Month! Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Jeanie Tryggestad reminds us that 38+ million Americans live with diabetes — many more may not know they are at risk.

✅Type 2 diabetes is most frequently diagnosed in adults and can often be managed with healthy habits like daily activity and balanced nutrition.
❌Type 1 diabetes, which typically appears in childhood and cannot be prevented.

Watch for early symptoms like increased thirst and unexpected weight loss — and talk to your doctor if you notice them.

OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center offers Oklahomans a way to prevent, treat and find a cure through research. GLP-1 medications are helping adults manage their condition, but early intervention remains key — especially for children, who often experience faster disease progression.

Watch the full interview on KWTV - NEWS 9.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Oklahoma doctors urge residents to take steps to prevent or manage diabetes through exercise, diet and early detection.

11/17/2025

Diabetes can develop gradually, and its symptoms are often easy to overlook. Knowing what to watch for can make all the difference.

Here are some common signs to be aware of:
- Increased thirst
- Urinating often
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired and weak
- Mood changes or irritability
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. Early detection and management are key to living well with diabetes.

11/14/2025

Help us raise awareness as part of World Diabetes Day, today, Nov. 14, by sharing the impact of diabetes with your friends and family.

➡️ Over 500 million people live with diabetes worldwide
➡️ Every 30 seconds, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes (typically Type 2)
➡️ Close to 50% of diabetes is undiagnosed

No matter your situation, hope is possible. Call (405) 271-7000 to learn how to manage diabetes and live a long, healthy life!

11/10/2025

Are you up to date on the latest in diabetes news and research? Our Fall 2025 newsletter is a great place to start learning more.

From the Hamm International Prize to fatty liver disease research to upcoming events, you can stay up to date on the latest news and show your support to those in your life with diabetes.

Read now: https://brnw.ch/21wXmvV

11/05/2025

Don't forget to sign up for our 22nd annual Diabetes Research Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Oklahoma City.

This free event will feature keynote Gregory Steinberg, Ph.D, from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, who will speak about cellular energy and its implications for diabetes.

Register here: https://brnw.ch/21wXedW

11/03/2025

Diabetes impacts over 500 million people worldwide, yet many remain undiagnosed.

Diabetes Awareness Month is a powerful reminder to:
💙 Learn the signs and symptoms
💙 Support research and education
💙 Empower healthy lifestyle choices

Learn more at HammDiabetesCenter.org

10/27/2025

More than 800 people attended the 2025 Connect+Cure Gala on Wednesday night, raising $4.7 million to support research and programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center.

10/24/2025

Last night, we honored a visionary whose generosity is changing lives across Oklahoma and beyond.

Harold Hamm is the inaugural recipient of the University of Oklahoma’s Crystal Seed Sower Award, a distinction for donors whose generosity of $25 million or more has profoundly shaped the university and the people it serves.

Through the remarkable work he's supported through the OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center and the establishment of the Harold Hamm International Prize for Biomedical Research in Diabetes — the largest diabetes research award in the world — Mr. Hamm has empowered scientists, inspired global breakthroughs, and brought new hope to millions living with diabetes.

His commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing research reflects the very spirit of the Seed Sower — planting the ideas that grow into a better, brighter future for all.

Thank you and lead on, Mr. Hamm!

10/23/2025