Philip Raskin, MD
Professor of Medicine

Larissa Avilés-Santa, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine

Principal Investigator: Larissa Avilés-Santa, M.D.
Effects of Intensive Insulin Therapy on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hispanics with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus                         
Summary:     This is an NIH-sponsored clinical project evaluating the effects of intensive insulin therapy on traditional and non-traditional (antioxidants, leukocyte adhesion molecules, PAI-1) cardiovascular risk factors in Latin Americans with Type 2 diabetes. This study will also evaluate the possible gender dissimilarities in cardiovascular risks previously observed, and if improvement in glycemic control will abolish these differences. Both men and women of Latin American origin with Type 2 diabetes mellitus will be recruited. The study lasts 3 years.
Other projects under Dr. Avilés-Santa's supervision:
1.       Evaluation of Ketosis-Prone, Obese Diabetic Individuals. Fellow in charge: Dr. María Ramos-Román. This project evaluates the possible metabolic differences or similarities of individuals who present with clinical signs of Type 1 diabetes, but phenotypical features of Type 2 diabetes. Antibody screening and HLA typing to rule out Type 1 autoimmune diabetes, euglycemic insulin clamp technique, Sustacal challenge test, indirect calorimetry and insulin withdrawal studies have been integrated in this study.

Principal Investigator: Philip Raskin, M.D.
Comparison Of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) With Multiple Daily Subcutaneous Insulin Injections In The Treatment Of Older Type 2 Diabetic Patients
We are conducting a study to investigate the efficacy and safety of intensive diabetes treatment in older patients with type 2 diabetes. We know from previous clinical trials that intensive diabetes treatment, which achieves normal blood glucose levels, effectively delays the onset and slows the progression of the microvascular complications of diabetes. An increased incidence of hypoglycemia accompanies intensive diabetes treatment and may be a barrier to the normalization of blood glucose levels. In spite of the fact that diabetes is more common with advancing age and that by the age of 75 years approximately 20% of the US population is afflicted with diabetes, most diabetes clinical trial protocols exclude patients over age 65 years. We are comparing continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII or insulin pump) with multiple daily injections (MDI) to mimic the physiology of daily insulin secretion and attempt to normalize the blood glucose levels in the study participants. Subjects who must be 60 years or older will receive intensive education on the various aspects of diabetes self-management and will be closely monitored throughout the year of their study. We have just begun enrolling patients for participation in this study so many opportunities exist for someone who would like to be exposed to clinical trials. Opportunities will span the areas of recruitment, patient interviewing, data collection and analysis. They will also include performing physical examinations, administering standardized psychological questionnaires and learning how to interpret blood glucose results and adjust insulin doses.