Northern California e-news

Research with impact

You may only think of Kaiser Permanente as a health plan, but we’re equally known for the size and scope of our research efforts. We are one of the world’s largest research organizations, which can help members like you as well as our community.

In Northern California, for example, our Division of Research employs more than 45 principal investigators, 550 staff, and distributes roughly $100 million in funding. Our research leads to important insights about improving and maintaining health.

Here are two examples of Kaiser Permanente studies that are making an impact.

• Our Division of Research is participating in two national studies that are examining the environmental and genetic risk factors for developing autism spectrum disorders. Learn more about the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) and the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED).
• Roughly 7 to 14 percent of expectant mothers in the United States are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. While usually temporary, for about 30 to 50 percent of affected women, it may become permanent type 2 diabetes. A team at our Division of Research has received a three-year grant to study whether a lifestyle intervention delivered by phone can help women with gestational diabetes to resolve barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. Learn more.