Division of Endocrinology & Diabetes

Areas of Investigation

The majority of the Division of Endocrinology's research takes place within the Diabetes Research Center, where Einstein-Montefiore faculty constitutes a strong biomedical research organization.

Islet, Biochemistry, Biology, and Immunology
Investigators study multiple aspects including genetic and molecular biological tools for analyzing the dynamics of beta cell and alpha cell growth; innovative, non-invasive approaches in ascertaining beta cell mass; the structural basis for T cell signaling; the immunopathogenesis of T1DM; and beta cell function regeneration. more info
Signal Transduction
Signal Transduction investigators are elucidating mechanisms that govern target cell responses to hormones and growth factors. Modulation of hormonal responses by cytokines, metabolites and cell-cell interactions are also central topics of investigation. more info
Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism
The basic premise of these studies is that an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure triggers endocrine/metabolic responses that accelerate the age-dependent dysregulation in glucose and lipid metabolism. more info
Clinical Physiology and Trials
These studies use state-of-the-art methodologies of in vivo clinical investigation both to examine important physiological questions de novo in humans and to form intramural connections with novel mechanistic studies of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and nutrient sensing. Investigators are also active in a number of NIH-funded randomized clinical trials and long-term observational cohorts. more info
Behavioral, Psychosocial, and Environmental Determinants of Health and Health Disparities
Investigators are engaged in intervention development and evaluation for prevention of diabetes and its complications, research in health disparities, epidemiologic and geographic/environmental studies, and cost analyses. more info
Complications of Diabetes
All forms of diabetes are characterized by hyperglycemia, a relative or absolute lack of insulin action, and the development of diabetes-specific pathology in the retina, renal glomerulus, and peripheral nerve. Diabetes is also associated with accelerated atherosclerotic disease affecting arteries that supply the heart, brain, and lower extremities. more info
Thyroid Research
Thyroid physiology and disease research from four epochs dating from 1920 to the present have benefited the thyroid health of millions of people. Dr. Martin I. Surks has recently summarized the major contributions.
Hormone Replacement for Aging Men