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WASHINGTON - The Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC), the diabetes and health care reform advocacy organization advancing patient-centered policies at the local, state and federal levels, today marked national Diabetes Awareness Month by announcing the appointment of Alan D. Cherrington, PhD, as Scientific Advisor to the DLC Board of Directors.
Dr. Cherrington is a Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He holds the Jacquelyn A. Turner and Dr. Dorothy J. Turner Chair in Diabetes Research. Recognized as a worldwide authority in the field, Cherrington’s work has significantly advanced understanding of the ways in which hormones and neural mediators regulate the liver’s ability to supply glucose in times of need and to store it in times of plenty. He has published more than 300 peer-review papers and nearly 100 review articles over his career.
Cherrington’s research interests were shaped at the University of Toronto, where insulin was discovered more than 100 years ago. While earning his PhD in Endocrinology, Cherrington worked with legendary diabetes researcher Dr. Mladen Vranic, whose groundbreaking work changed the landscape of diabetes research and physiology. Vranic also was the last post doctoral fellow of Dr. Charles Best, co-discoverer of insulin.
“It is particularly fitting to welcome Dr. Cherrington as a scientific advisor during Diabetes Awareness Month and the 100th anniversary of insulin’s discovery,” said Stewart Perry, board chair of DLC. “His scientific expertise and passion for research will help DLC navigate the rapidly changing diabetes management landscape and advocate for 122 million Americans with diabetes or prediabetes.”
“It’s a privilege to work with the members of the DLC. Their passion and dedication to the fight against diabetes are second to none,” Cherrington added.
Cherrington’s scientific expertise will complement the clinical expertise of DLC’s current medical advisors: John E. Anderson, MD, an internal medicine and diabetes specialist with the Frist Clinic in Nashville; and Desmond A. Schatz, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist, and Interim Chair and professor of the College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida, Gainesville.
Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability driving $3.8 trillion in annual health care costs. With innovative treatments available, it's time for less talk, more action from policymakers who promised to help the 122 million Americans with diabetes or prediabetes.
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DLC is a501(c)(3) patient advocacy organization comprised of individuals who combine their passion for advocacy with decades of diabetes experience and leadership to advance patients-first policies at the local, state and national levels. Our members – all former leaders of national diabetes organizations – engage policymakers, and public and private sector influencers to call attention to the diabetes epidemic and provide a voice for 34 million Americans living with the disease.
