Advanced Diabetes Care
Diabetes and obesity are significant health challenges in the U.S. and worldwide. City of Hope strives to make a difference for our patients through high-quality treatment and innovative science. Over half a century, we have built a reputation as one of the leading centers for diabetes research. Our medical team offers leading-edge diabetes care driven by City of Hope’s trademark commitment to compassion.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to turn the sugar and starches people eat into energy. Nearly 40 million Americans — about 11% of the population — have diabetes, and many more are at risk for developing the disease. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Every patient is different, with different needs. So City of Hope treats you as a valued individual. We view diabetes care as a collaboration with patients and their caregivers. Our entire team works together to bring you precise, state-of-the-art therapy options that will deliver the best outcome for you. We support you every step of the way, helping you and your loved ones manage your condition.
The Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute at City of Hope is committed to turning scientific discoveries into new strategies to treat, diagnose, prevent and cure diabetes.
At City of Hope, we offer our diabetes patients access to advanced medical and supportive care and opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to an unparalleled array of support services to help you and your loved ones take each step before, during and after your treatment.
Our Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute brings together a broad array of diabetes expertise from multiple disciplines, all under one roof.
Our Diabetes Program Highlights:
- Diabetologists and certified educators who can help patients keep their blood sugar under control, reducing the likelihood of high- or low- blood sugar episodes and long-term complications
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program — a comprehensive weight-loss program aimed at reducing obesity-related health risks
- The Wanek Family Project for Type 1 Diabetes
- Islet cell transplantation for eligible type 1 diabetics
- Opportunities to participate in other diabetes clinical trials

From discovering how insulin works to the first islet cell transplantation, City of Hope has been revolutionizing diabetes treatment for over 50 years.

The Wanek Family Project for Type 1 Diabetes creates powerful new approaches to treating type 1 diabetes that move beyond managing the disease to finding a cure.

Read about the latest developments in diabetes research and treatment as well as inspiring doctor profiles and uplifting patient stories.

Endocrinologist Maria Mercedes Chang Villacreses, M.D., is determined to make a difference in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diabetes.

Mohamed El-Shahawy, M.D., M.P.H., M.H.A., is Clinical Professor in the Department of Clinical Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at City of Hope.

Sasan Fazeli, M.D., is an endocrinologist in the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Wei Feng, M.D., is a board certified endocrinologist with expertise in many areas such as diabetes, thyroid, pituitary, osteoporosis, PCOS, obesity, lipid disorder, and adrenal disease.

Elena Forouhar, M.D., specializes in treating diabetes & endocrine problems & is board certified in internal medicine & endocrinology/diabetes & metabolism. Her main areas of interest include both type 1 & type 2 diabetes, as well as obesity & metabolic disorders associated with obesity.
Paul Han, D.P.M., M.S., is a Clinical Consultant and a podiatric surgeon at City of Hope.
Fouad R Kandeel, M.D., Ph.D., is the director of the Islet Cell Transplantation Program and Arthur D. Riggs Distinguished Chair in Diabetes & Metabolism Research at City of Hope.

Behrouz Salehian-Dardashti, M.D., is an endocrinologist specializing in treating thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders and neuroendocrine tumors. He is also director of the diabetes cardiovascular risk reduction program at City of Hope.

Samar Singh, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor, Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism at City of Hope Orange County.

Ping H. Wang, M.D., is chair of the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism at City of Hope.