The UAB Division of Pediatric Endocrinology is committed to advancing the understanding, prevention, and treatment of endocrine and metabolic conditions affecting children and adolescents.
Our research spans clinical, translational, outcomes, and quality improvement research, with the goal of translating scientific discoveries into better care for children and families. Our faculty lead investigator-initiated studies and collaborate with investigators across UAB, Children’s of Alabama, and other institutions. We also partner with industry and national research networks to provide patients with opportunities to participate in clinical trials and access emerging therapies.
Research Leadership
Christy Foster, M.D.
Director, Research Affairs
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology
Research Team
Our clinical research team supports investigator-initiated studies, multicenter research, clinical trials, and industry-sponsored research across the division.
Pam Turner
Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator
Email: prturner@uabmc.edu
Phone: 205-638-5038
Tushima Fails Reeves
Clinical Research Coordinator
Email: TFails@uabmc.edu
Phone: 205-638-9173
Meredith Snook
Clinical Research Coordinator
Email: macustred@uabmc.edu
Phone: 205-638-5025
Research Programs
Diabetes Research
Our faculty conduct research across the spectrum of pediatric diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, and diabetes-related outcomes.
The division collaborates with the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center, established in 2007 to advance multidisciplinary diabetes research. Research within the center includes T- and B-cell immunology, pancreatic beta-cell biology, developmental biology, and mechanisms contributing to the development of type 1 diabetes. The long-term goal is to identify new approaches to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes.
Endocrine Newborn Screening
The Division of Pediatric Endocrinology collaborates with the Alabama Newborn Screening Program to support the timely identification and follow-up of infants with endocrine conditions detected through newborn screening, including congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Research efforts include evaluation of longitudinal clinical outcomes and strategies to optimize short- and long-term care for affected children.
Areas of Research
Our faculty have conducted clinical and translational research in a broad range of pediatric endocrine and metabolic conditions, including:
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Type 1 diabetes
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Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
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Obesity and insulin resistance
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Polycystic ovary syndrome and other disorders of reproductive endocrinology
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Growth disorders and growth hormone deficiency
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
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Precocious and delayed puberty
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Thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer
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Metabolic bone disease and hypophosphatemic rickets
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Lipodystrophy
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Cystic fibrosis-related endocrine disorders
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Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
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Rare endocrine and metabolic disorders
Studies Currently Recruiting
Families interested in participating in research may be eligible for one of our ongoing studies. Eligibility varies by study.
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DISCOVERY Study
Understanding why some children develop type 2 diabetes
The UAB Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Department of Nutrition Sciences are participating in the multicenter DISCOVERY study. The study seeks to understand why some children with overweight or obesity develop type 2 diabetes while others do not.
Who may participate?
Children and adolescents who meet the following criteria may be eligible:
- Girls ages 9–13 and boys ages 10–14
- BMI at or above the 85th percentile
- HbA1c of 5.5% or higher
What does participation involve?
Study activities may include:
- In-person and telephone visits
- Laboratory testing
- Physical examinations
- Glucose monitoring
- Questionnaires
No study medication is given as part of DISCOVERY. There is no cost to participate, and participants are compensated for their time.
Participation in DISCOVERY may help researchers better understand the early changes that lead to type 2 diabetes and identify future opportunities for prevention.
Interested in learning more?
Phone: 205-517-1351
Email: discovery@uab.edu
Website: discovery.bsc.gwu.edu -
Type 2 Diabetes Carb Control Study
Intervention study for children and adolescents with Type 2 diabetes
Who may participate?
Children and Adolescents age 10-18
A1c 6.5-8.5
Patients will be started on a carb control diet or standard of care and monitored for blood sugar control and other health outcomes
Families interested in this study should reach out to the Pediatric Endocrinology research team to learn more about eligibility
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Expanded Access Program for Tiratricol in MCT8 Deficiency
For patients with MCT8 deficiency (Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome)
This expanded access program provides tiratricol to eligible patients with MCT8 deficiency who are unable to participate in a clinical trial or who require continued access to treatment following participation in a previous study.
Who may be eligible?
Potential participants must have:
- Genetically confirmed MCT8 deficiency
- Appropriate clinical eligibility for treatment with tiratricol
- A determination by the treating physician that the potential benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks
Eligibility may include patients who are treatment-naïve as well as certain patients previously treated through the ReTRIACt study or another investigational new drug protocol.
Families interested in this program should contact the Pediatric Endocrinology research team to learn more about eligibility.
Participate in Research
Research participation is an important part of improving care for children with endocrine and metabolic conditions. Opportunities range from observational studies and surveys to clinical trials evaluating new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Families interested in learning about current research opportunities may contact our research team for additional information.
Collaborate With Us
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with investigators at UAB and other institutions on pediatric endocrine research, including multicenter studies, clinical trials, translational research, and quality improvement initiatives.
Faculty, trainees, and students interested in pediatric endocrine research are also encouraged to contact our research team to learn about available research and mentorship opportunities.