diabetes Archives

Ashcroft named to receive Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science

Mar. 15, 2023—Professor Dame Frances Ashcroft, a British physiologist known internationally for her work on insulin secretion, Type 2 diabetes and neonatal diabetes, is the recipient of the 2023 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science.

When half of their six children were diagnosed with what was then believed to be Type 1 diabetes, David and Ellen Pursell decided their family would participate in research related to the health condition. This family photo from several years ago includes, seated, from left, Peggy, Ramsey and Chrissy. Standing, from left, are Vaughan, Ellen, Martin, David and Parker.

Family’s participation key to advancing diabetes research

Mar. 9, 2023—A study of one family from Alabama has led Vanderbilt researchers to discover that insulin deficiency, independent of the autoimmunity associated with Type 1 diabetes, is the principal factor leading to a markedly smaller pancreas.

Diabetes drug may improve asthma

Feb. 21, 2023—New biomarker finding strengthens the case for using GLP-1R agonists to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes who also suffer from asthma.

Study may lead to new diabetes, heart disease treatments

Jan. 12, 2023—Vanderbilt research found that deletion of an autophagy-participating factor named PIK3C3 from the fat cells of mice led to compromised body temperature control, abnormal blood lipid levels, fatty liver and diabetes.

Vanderbilt mourns loss of former Rheumatology director Thomas

Nov. 21, 2022—James Ward “Tom” Thomas II, MD, former director of Vanderbilt’s Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, died Nov. 16 following a battle with cancer. He was 74.

Metabolic signatures of Type 2 diabetes risk

Oct. 24, 2022—Vanderbilt epidemiologists found 32 blood metabolites associated with obesity and showed that adding these to traditional disease prediction models improves accuracy of determining Type 2 diabetes risk.

Aging beta cells hasten Type 2 diabetes

Oct. 20, 2022—Vanderbilt investigators have found that aging induces chronic cellular stress in pancreatic beta cells, which could contribute to the development of diabetes as we age.

Addition to pancreatic image bank expected to help advance diabetes research worldwide

Oct. 14, 2022—An image bank of samples of the pancreas from children who developed diabetes shortly before death has gone live at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with the aim to advance global medical research in the diabetes field.

Audio recordings could benefit older adults following clinic visits

Oct. 6, 2022—Vanderbilt researchers are studying the impact of sharing audio recordings of their visits with older adults who have diabetes.

Immune cells drive beta cell loss in Type 2 diabetes

Sep. 8, 2022—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered details of pancreatic beta cell loss — and potential therapeutic targets — during conditions of overnutrition, as occurs in obesity.

William Russell, MD, second from right, is the principal investigator for a study that uses a plasmid-based therapy to try to selectively desensitize the immune system in people with Type 1 diabetes. Shown here are, from left, Lana Howard, RN, CCRP; Brenna Hammel, RN, CPN; study participant Adam Brooks; Russell; and Robin Perkins, RN. Not pictured: Faith Brendle, RN, CPN, CCRP.

Trial participant steps up to help advance diabetes research

Sep. 1, 2022—Vanderbilt is one of 16 North American sites conducting the Tolerance Using Plasmid in People with Type 1 Diabetes (TOPPLE) study, a phase 1 investigation that tests the safety and dosing of a new plasmid therapy.

Gannon selected for American Diabetes Association Award

Jun. 22, 2022—Maureen Gannon, PhD, professor of Medicine, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, is the recipient of the 2022 Lois Jovanovic Transformative Woman in Diabetes Award presented by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).