The global incidence of diabetes continues to increase at an exponential rate, in tandem with the rapid rise of obesity. Obesity, due to gene-environment interactions, is also associated with the development of other debilitating chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and asthma. People with type 1 diabetes continue to face metabolic challenges including cardiovascular disease risk, weight gain, blood sugar management and insulin resistance. Osteoporosis is an under-recognised and undertreated disorder that has a strong genetic basis. Excess and deficiency of pituitary hormones can cause significant disease, including diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
Our goals
The Endocrinology Department at St Vincent’s Hospital and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research contribute to the worldwide effort to understand the causal relationships between genetics, the environment, and the development of diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis. With expertise in basic science and clinical research, we aim to establish an accurate picture of the circumstances under which obesity precipitates diabetes to enable the prediction, prevention, and treatment of metabolic disease. We are also investigating the genetics of osteoporosis and pituitary conditions, and support a world-class clinical trials program exploring the potential of adjunctive therapies to address unmet metabolic needs in type 1 diabetes (AUSTAG; Australian Type 1 Diabetes Adjunctives Group).
Research Strengths
- Clinical Diabetes, Appetite and Metabolism Lab | Garvan Institute of Medical Research
- Clinical Obesity, Nutrition and Adipose Biology Lab
- Obesity research | Garvan Institute of Medical Research
- Type 2 diabetes | Garvan Institute of Medical Research
- Osteoporosis
- Hormones and cancer group
- The Australian Type 1 Diabetes Adjunctives Group (AUSTAG)
Our results
We provide leadership in endocrinology, diabetes, obesity and metabolism research locally, nationally and internationally through our commitment to research, teaching and training, advisory roles and collaborations.
