IU endocrinologists receive esteemed JDRF awards for contributions to type 1 diabetes research

At the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases (CDMD), several dedicated teams of scientists and physicians are devoted to improving the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) through groundbreaking research. Recently, two faculty members were recognized for their significant contributions to the field by the leading global research and advocacy organization for the disease, JDRF.  

Linda DiMeglio, MPH, MD, was announced as the co-recipient of the 2023 George Eisenbarth Award for Type 1 Diabetes Prevention, and Viral Shah, MD, received the 2023 Mary Tyler Moore and S. Robert Levine, MD, Excellence in Clinical Research Award. 

In recognition of her leadership in type 1 diabetes prevention research, DiMeglio, who serves as the Edwin Letzter Professor of Pediatrics at IU School of Medicine and division chief of pediatric endocrinology and diabetology at Riley Children's Health, received the award named after George Eisenbarth, MD, PhD. According to JDRF, Eisenbarth was an esteemed researcher who, “provided the foundation for predicting T1D and identifying novel approaches toward prevention and cures.” 

DiMeglio is an international trailblazer in developing guidance on monitoring type 1 diabetes during its early stages, prior to individuals receiving a clinical diagnosis. As a pediatric endocrinologist, she leads several clinical trials at IU and Riley Children’s aimed at preventing the disease, preserving insulin production, and developing strategies and treatments to improve the quality of life for those with type 1 diabetes. 

 “My connection with JDRF began at the end of my fellowship training when I received a career development award to fund one of my initial research projects focusing on insulin pump therapy in very young children,” DiMeglio said. “Since then, my relationships with JDRF and my funding from them have been invaluable. Receiving the George Eisenbarth Award is an incredible honor.” 

Established in honor of the late actress Mary Tyler Moore and her husband Robert Levine, MD, who were dedicated JDRF advocates, Shah’s award recognizes his leadership and innovative achievements in clinical and translational type 1 diabetes research.  

Shah is a professor of medicine in endocrinology and metabolism and the director of diabetes clinical research at the CDMD. His work is focused on improving glycemic control and minimizing complications in individuals with type 1 diabetes. His previous research has unveiled the correlation between time spent within target glucose ranges and the progression of retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in type 1 diabetes, offering crucial evidence to underpin future therapeutic advancements. Shah also recently published a pioneering and promising report on the use of the drug Mounjaro to treat type 1 diabetes.

“I'm honored to be recognized by JDRF with this award, especially considering their current support of my clinical trial investigating how the medication semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, affects people with type 1 diabetes,” said Shah. “I'm really grateful for their investment in my research and I’m optimistic that our discoveries will lead to better ways to manage T1D and bring hope to those affected by it.” 

Type 1 diabetes globally impacts nearly nine million people of all ages. It is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Because there is no cure, patients with the disease require significant lifestyle changes and lifelong dependency on insulin therapy to regulate blood sugar levels.  

To learn more about IU School of Medicine’s type 1 diabetes research and clinical trial opportunities, visit the CDMD and type 1 diabetes clinical research websites.