Max McGee Diabetes Research Center

The objectives of the scientists and clinicians affiliated with this Center are to improve the quality of life of type 1 diabetes patients through:

• Understanding the genetic basis of Type 1 Diabetes
• Understanding the immunological processes underlying autoimmunity against the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas
• Learning what factors make the beta cell a target
• Defining better biomarkers for type 1 diabetes to identify those at risk and monitor those undergoing therapeutic intervention

We pursue these objectives with the conviction that our efforts will improve patient care and contribute to curing juvenile diabetes. We invite you to learn more about our benefactor, our research and clinical endeavors and welcome your support and involvement.

Our website provides an overview to both the public and the scientific community of our investigators, research, publications, current events and educational links. Whether you are a patient, family member, diabetes researcher, clinician, patient advocate, or a contributor, we welcome you to The Max McGee National Research Center for Juvenile Diabetes at The Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Wisconsin.

Martin J. Hessner, PhD
Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Director, Max McGee Diabetes Research Center

More about Dr. Hessner

Max McGee, the famous Green Bay Packer, was most remembered for scoring the first touchdown in Super Bowl History during Super Bowl I. He played in two Pro Bowls and on five World Championship teams.

He was also known for his color commentary on the Green Bay Packers Radio Network. However Max would prefer to be known for his contribution to finding a cure for juvenile diabetes and providing a better quality of life. He started The Maxi Fund after his youngest son, Dallas, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two.

Diabetes is prevalent in Max's family. His brother fought diabetes in his lifetime, and today Max and Denise's younger son Dallas, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of two, lives every day with this life-threatening disease. The McGees wanted to make a difference. They wanted a cure not just for their own son, but for the 1.6 million American people living today with Type 1 diabetes.

Their hope was to secure support for the creation of a new, state-of-the-art diabetes research center. The Maxi Fund, named after Dallas, provided the means to establish and sustain a state of the art research center dedicated to helping children with diabetes. 

When looking for a home for a research center, the McGees considered several locations before lending their name and affixing their personal seal of approval. The Milwaukee location at Children's Wisconsin offered some distinct advantages: Children's Wisconsin is home to one of the largest diabetes treatment programs in the nation, currently following more than 1,200 children with diabetes. This patient volume provides the breadth of data necessary for the type of research the McGees envisioned. Collaborative efforts would be a natural between the diabetes research center, clinical diabetes researchers at Children's Wisconsin, and the various research staff at the neighboring Medical College of Wisconsin and Versiti Blood Research Institute. A nucleus of research activity and a significant collection of experts already were in place on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus.

The McGees' dream became a reality in 1999 when the Max McGee Diabetes Research Center opened its doors at Children's Wisconsin. 

The pediatric endocrinology and diabetes clinic is located in the clinics building at Children’s Wisconsin. Our faculty and staff provide well-rounded exceptional care for our patients and support for families.

Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes is comprised of advance practice providers and board-certified/board-eligible pediatric endocrinologists offering a full range of clinical services for pediatric patients with endocrine and growth disorders, delayed or precocious puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome, metabolic syndrome, calcium disorders, pituitary deficiencies, thyroid disease, endocrine tumors, Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes, adrenal disorders and differences in sexual development, and metabolic bone disease.

The diabetes program serves more than 2,000 children with Type I and Type II diabetes. Our dedicated diabetes team and program offers many services and resources. Some services include; inpatient/outpatient education, 24-hour phone availability, school support, and outpatient insulin pump program. Ongoing basic science and translational research is conducted through the Max McGee Diabetes Research Center.

In addition to the full range of clinical services and varied types of research, our endocrinology division members teach nurse practitioner students, medical students, residents, and clinical and post-doctorate fellows.

The division has an ACGME-accredited fellowship training program in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes. We accept up to two clinical fellowship physicians per year for three years of training. It is the goal of our fellowship training program to train pediatricians with an interest and potential for continuing in an academic medical career including continued involvement in research and teaching. In addition, we accept post-doctorate research fellows in study of the cure for type 1 diabetes.

More about Pediatric Endocrinology

Video courtesy of tmj4.com

Early Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes