Meet the Scientist – Dr. Ralph DeFronzo and Prof. Muhammad Abdul-Ghani
Published on 29/04/2024
DR. RALPH DEFRONZO
Meet the scientists behind DDI’s research
DR. RALPH DEFRONZO, a leading figure in diabetes research, graduated from Yale University with a degree in biology and biochemistry before earning his medical degree from Harvard. He completed his training in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins and pursued fellowships in Endocrinology and Nephrology. Since 1988, Dr. DeFronzo has held the Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long Distinguished Chair in Diabetes at UT Health San Antonio. His influential work includes pioneering the concept of insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes and leading the U.S. development of metformin, a cornerstone medication for diabetes treatment. Dr. DeFronzo’s research also led to the discovery of drugs targeting kidney glucose reabsorption, such as dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and canagliflozin. Additionally, his collaboration with Dr. Bruno Doiron has shown potential for curing type 1 diabetes. Dr. DeFronzo’s contributions have garnered numerous awards, including the Lilly Award, the Albert Renold Award, and the Novartis Award. With over 800 publications and editorship of the International Textbook of Diabetes Mellitus, he continues to advance our understanding of type 2 diabetes, focusing on insulin resistance and its role in metabolic-cardiovascular disorders. Through sophisticated techniques like the euglycemic insulin clamp, he elucidates the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance.
PROF. MUHAMMAD ABDUL-GHANI
Meet the scientists behind DDI’s research
PROF. MUHAMMAD ABDUL-GHANI, MD, Ph.D., is a distinguished figure in diabetes research and medicine, holding a prominent position at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. His academic journey, rooted in dual expertise in medicine and research methodology, has resulted in over 160 peer-reviewed articles that significantly contribute to understanding type 2 diabetes. Collaborating with Ralph DeFronzo, Abdul-Ghani has conducted groundbreaking research elucidating mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, utilizing sophisticated techniques like the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Noteworthy is Abdul-Ghani’s focus on sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, revealing their cardiorenal benefits and potential for combination therapy, thereby optimizing treatment strategies. His Qatar Study, dedicated to personalized diabetes management, underscores his commitment to translating scientific knowledge into practical interventions aimed at improving patient care. Overall, Abdul-Ghani’s illustrious career, from foundational education to collaborations with esteemed colleagues, has left an indelible mark on the field, shaping the approach to diabetes management globally through his work on SGLT2 inhibitors, pioglitazone, combination therapy, and real-world effectiveness studies.
