EGDRC Annual Report
2023-2024
This year, the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center (EGDRC) achieved remarkable milestones in our mission to address diabetes and its widespread effects. From groundbreaking studies to fostering transformative programs, 2024 was a year of innovation and progress.
Our researchers made significant strides, with impactful findings published in leading journals and appearances in wide-reaching news and podcast media channels. These contributions not only advanced global understanding of diabetes, but also exemplified the dedication of our team to translating discoveries into solutions that improve lives.
One of the year's most notable achievements was securing a $22 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to investigate potential links between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, we proudly selected the first cohort of doctoral students for the Diabetes Translational Accelerator (DTA) program. Furthermore, we continued to foster our partnership with the India Institute of Technology Madras to translate research into real-world solutions for diabetes.
These accomplishments and many others this year, were made possible by the unwavering dedication of our researchers, the invaluable support of our collaborators, and the generosity of our donors.
As we look to 2025, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who continues to support us on this journey. With your partnership, we remain steadfast in our mission to improve the lives of people and populations through our research. Together, we are driving transformative change in heart and metabolic health.
Sincerely,
Mohammed K. Ali, MBChB, MSc, MBA
Co-Director of the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center
William H. Foege Distinguished Professor of Global Health
Vice Chair for Research in the department of Family and Preventive Medicine
We’re focused on improving health outcomes through science, equitable practices, & structured policy-making.
Encompasses the integration of advanced digital technologies with personalized medicine approaches to enhance patient care, optimize treatment outcomes, & improve overall health management.
Both fields aim to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that scientific advancements lead to tangible health benefits.
Focused scientific investigation of the underlying mechanisms, causes, and functional changes associated with diseases.
The EGDRC community continues to grow nationally and globally with our domestic members joining from Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine and Georgia Tech. EGDRC has also establish collaborations in 25 countries with longstanding partners such as Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and AIIMS New Delhi, India.
Publications
In Diabetes Related Research Funding
Increase in Members (Total:197)
New Students and Fellows FY 2024
Pilot Funding Awarded
Researchers have recently explored the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, coining the term “type 3 diabetes” to describe the potential link between insulin resistance in the brain and neurodegeneration. To further investigate this connection, the CARRS cohort—a population-based study of South Asians—secured a $22 million grant from the National Institute on Aging.
“This funding will bring a new dimension to the massive CARRS program and dive deeply into the connections between cardiometabolic disease and dementia,” says Venkat Narayan, MD, executive director of EGDRC.
Led by a multidisciplinary team of principal investigators, including Dr. Narayan, Allan Levey, MD, and Suvarna Alladi, MD, this initiative will investigate how diabetes, particularly type 2, accelerates the risk of Alzheimer’s.
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Lakshmi and Subramonian Shankar Fellowship
Biomedical Engineering
Computer Science and Informatics
PBiomedical Engineering
Applebaum-Peabody Scholarship
PhD Candidate, Nutrition & Health Sciences
Ravi and Nalini Saligram Scholarship
PhD Student, Nutrition & Health Sciences
Hubert Global Health PhD Student Scholarship
PhD Student, Nutrition & Health Sciences
“What I appreciate most about EGDRC is the incredible mentorship. Everyone here is passionate about their work, and their enthusiasm is magnetic. The support I've received has been invaluable. "
Krishna Sanaka, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Hubert Department of Global Health
“It has been one of the longest and most successful collaborations between India and the United States in the field of diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases and has been based on friendship, trust, sharing of mutual strengths, training and mentorship."
V. Mohan, MD, PhD, DSc, FRCP, MACP, FACE, Chairman, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai, India
“The G-SIR factor can apply to any organization, but EGDRC has exceeded expectations. Witnessing the Growth, Success, Impact, and Recognition of the EGDRC has been the most fulfilling aspect of my involvement. It has been an honor and a privilege to be associated with and support EGDRC on its journey."
Rhona Applebaum, PhD, Former vice president and chief science and health officer, Coca-Cola
