The Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes offers an energetic research environment.  Faculty and fellow research projects include the entire spectrum of pediatric endocrinology conditions, both basic science and clinically-oriented projects. 

Research coordinator: Tammi Skelton RN, Section of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes,
Phone: 205-996-9569

Particular areas of research include:

• Pathogenesis of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Optimizing current and long term health and well being in patients with diabetes
• The regulation of cortisol production by fat and liver tissue and its impact in obesity and diabetes. These investigations probe the crucial cortisol production enzyme 11 Beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
• Fast track continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in young children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)
• Implantable Antenna Sensors for Continuous Glucose Monitoring
• Autonomy Support Psychoeducation for Parents and Middle Adolescent with Type 1 Diabetes
• Diagnosing the Heterozygous State of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Random Urine Samples
• Effect of incretin therapies on weight and glycemic control in children and adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Effect of vitamin D on insulin secretion and sensitivity
• The regulation of FGF23 by growth hormone and the latter's effect on phosphate homeostasis
• The regulation of FGF 23 in endocrinological disorders
• Evaluation of etiology of difficult hypertriglyceridemia
• Lipid disorders in diabetes and obesity
• Relationship between idiopathic bone age advancement with adrenal androgen production
• The role of aromatase inhibitors in males with idiopathic bone age advancement
• Current clinical therapies in cystic fibrosis related diabetes
• Insulin sensitivity and the GH/IGF-1 axis in young children with cystic fibrosis
• Trial Net:
  o We are an active participant in Trial Net (a study screening relatives of children with type 1 diabetes to determine if any family member is at risk for developing diabetes).
• Growth Hormone registries:
  o The Endocrinology Division participates in post marketing surveillance and the national registries of multiple growth hormone products.
• Exenatide in Adolescents:
  o Clinical trial examining the safety and efficacy of Exenatide in Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes

Currently the Section has several active research projects approved by the University of Alabama Institutional Review Board. The Division avidly pursues publication of original scientific work well-respected peer-reviewed journals.

Clinical/research programs:

• The Comprehensive Diabetes Center (TCDC):
  o A Comprehensive Diabetes Center was established in 2007. The Centers research interests include T- and B-cell immunology, pancreatic β cell biology and developmental biology. Centers research is directed at understanding the fundamental issues related to the development of type 1 diabetes. The goal the TCDC is to identify novel mechanisms or strategies to prevent or cure this disease.
• Endocrine Newborn Screening Center:
  o The endocrine division collaborates with the Alabama State Screening program to optimize immediate and long-range follow up care of newborns with congenital hypothyroidism and adrenal hyperplasia. Longitudinal data analysis of clinical outcomes is a key component.