SUMMARY
Clinical Studies in Diabetes and Metabolism
The primary interest of our laboratory during the last five years has been clinical research related to diabetes, obesity and nutrition.
In diabetes, we have completed studies investigating the use of a biguanide (Metformin) in the treatment of Type II diabetes mellitus and an aldose reductase inhibitor (Tolrestat) to prevent diabetic neuropathy. We have also explored insulin analogues in the treatment of Type I diabetes. Most recently, we have been working with an intermittent intravenous pulsatile insulin infusion program to prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
In the area of obesity, we have developed, implemented and evaluated a state-of-the-art behaviorally based weight management program.
In the area of nutrition, our research has included investigating enteral formulas and their glycemic responses in diabetic volunteers and in assessing caloric expenditure in the morbidly obese.
In the future we will have separate studies using L-carnitine and aminoguanidine for the prevention of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy, respectively, and will evaluate bariatric surgery as a long-term treatment modality for the morbidly obese.