Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute

Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute
Name	Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute
Established	2006
Focus	Diabetes mellitus, Obesity, Metabolism
Director	Zachary T. Bloomgarden
City	New York City
State	New York
Country	United States
Affiliations	Mount Sinai Health System, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute. It is a major academic research and clinical center dedicated to understanding and treating metabolic diseases. The institute integrates basic science, translational research, and patient care to address the global epidemics of diabetes mellitus and obesity. It operates within the Mount Sinai Health System and is closely aligned with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

History and founding

The institute was formally established in 2006, building upon a long tradition of endocrinology and metabolism research at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Its creation was driven by the rising global prevalence of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, recognized as critical public health challenges. Founding leadership, including figures like Zachary T. Bloomgarden, envisioned a centralized entity to accelerate discovery and improve clinical outcomes. The institute's formation coincided with significant growth in the Mount Sinai Health System's research infrastructure on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Research focus and programs

Core research investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance, beta cell dysfunction, and adipose tissue biology. Scientists employ advanced techniques in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify novel therapeutic targets. Key programs study the gut microbiome's role in metabolism, the genetics of monogenic diabetes, and the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Translational research bridges findings from the laboratory to clinical trials, often conducted through the Mount Sinai Clinical Trials Office. The institute also hosts training programs for National Institutes of Health-funded fellows in endocrinology.

Clinical services and patient care

The institute provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care through specialized centers like the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center. Clinical teams manage complex cases of type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and severe obesity, offering advanced technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy. A dedicated bariatric surgery program, in collaboration with departments like Gastrointestinal Surgery, provides surgical interventions for morbid obesity. Patient care is closely integrated with research, allowing eligible patients to participate in studies at the Mount Sinai Health System.

Key discoveries and scientific contributions

Researchers have made significant contributions to understanding lipodystrophy syndromes and the role of adipokines like leptin in energy balance. Investigations into the incretin system, including GLP-1 and GIP, have informed the development of new drug classes for type 2 diabetes. The institute's work has elucidated genetic links between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic dysfunction. Its clinical researchers have led pivotal trials for SGLT2 inhibitors and next-generation GLP-1 receptor agonists, influencing treatment guidelines from the American Diabetes Association.

Leadership and organizational structure

The institute is led by Medical Director Zachary T. Bloomgarden, a noted endocrinologist and editor of the *Journal of Diabetes*. It is organized into thematic research divisions, including Islet Biology, Cardiometabolic Risk, and Clinical Research, each headed by a principal investigator. The leadership team works in concert with the chair of the Department of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the leadership of the Mount Sinai Health System. An external scientific advisory board, comprising experts from institutions like the Joslin Diabetes Center and the University of Cambridge, provides strategic guidance.

Affiliations and partnerships

The institute is an integral component of the Mount Sinai Health System and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. It maintains strong collaborative ties with the Cardiovascular Institute and the Icahn Genomics Institute within the same system. Nationally, it partners with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases on grant-funded initiatives. International collaborations include research exchanges with the University of Oxford and the Karolinska Institutet. The institute also works with pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company on clinical research and development programs.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in New York City Category:Diabetes organizations Category:Mount Sinai Health System