DIALOGUE

Fall 2025

Connecting the Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolism, and Related Complications Community at the University of Michigan

In this Issue...

* Honoring World Diabetes Day

* CDI Staff Spotlight

* From the Patient's Perspective
* Institute Happenings

* From Our Partner Centers
* CDI Training & Mentoring

* News You Can Use

* Awards and Accolades

* Who's In the News?

* Faculty Publications

* Save the Date

* Funding Opportunities

As we recognize today, November 14, as World Diabetes Day, we’re reminded why our mission to support research that prevents, effectively treats, and ultimately cures diabetes is so important. This year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,” emphasizes the need to support both the physical and emotional health of those living with diabetes. The Caswell Diabetes Institute joins the global community in raising awareness and sharing progress toward a healthier future!

CDI Staff Spotlight

CDI Staff Spotlight: Emily Dhadphale, CCRP


CDI is excited to "Spotlight" Emily Dhadphale, CCRP! Emily is a senior project manager with Informatics and Clinical Research Innovation and the Life Course Obesity Research Informatics Core (LORIC), as well as an avid traveler.


Read more

From the Patient's Perspective

Olivia Ohmer,

Patient Care Technician

Welcome Home, Olivia: From Peds Patient to Patient Care Technician and Advocate


Once a young patient at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital following a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 3, Olivia Ohmer now walks the halls as a patient care technician, offering empathy and support to families navigating similar challenges. 


Read More

Institute Happenings

Diabetes Awareness Month Exclusives:

Messages from Our Experts

Dr. Kara Mizokami-Stout and Molly Dwyer-White, MPH, Featured on The Wrap Podcast


In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month,

Dr. Mizokami-Stout and Molly Dywer-White teamed up for a diabetes-focused episode of The Wrap. The two chatted with host Daniel Ellman to tackle common myths, explain why “knowing your numbers” matters, and share how new technologies are transforming diabetes care.


Check it out


Hear more from Dr. Mizokami-Stout at our next Community Seminar Series on November 20 at 6 p.m.

The U-M Medical School put Dr. Scott Soleimanpour "on call" to share a little about himself and any advice he has for medical students.


Click the image below to view!

Scott Soleimanpour, MD

Matthias Kretzler, MD, PhD

Dr. Matthias Kretzler shares some exciting research news for those living with kidney disease and the providers who care for them.


Click on his image to view!

CDI Holiday Bake-off 2025


Tis the Season! Start gathering your favorite family recipes and join us at this year's CDI Holiday Bake-off on December 11 at NCRC. More information to come!

2025 CDI Symposium: Inspiring Science, Collaborative Networking, and Festive Fun


From the informative presentations, lively poster session, interactive breakouts, and playful seasonal touches, this year's CDI Metabolism, Obesity, Nutrition, and Diabetes Symposium proved to be a can't-miss event!


Read More

Gretchen Piatt, PhD, MPH, and a skeletal special guest

CDI Hosts First Session of New Community Seminar Series


Community members recently gathered for CDI’s first Community Seminar Series event, Diabetes 101: Understanding Causes, Types, and Hope for the Future, featuring expert insights from Dr. Peter Arvan and an inspiring personal story from artist Krista Sheneman. Catch the highlights from this informative and uplifting evening.


Read More

U-M and the American Diabetes Association

Celebrate Diabetes Research Partnerships


In September, CDI and the Brehm Center hosted the American Diabetes Association for a day of discovery and dialogue, spotlighting groundbreaking ADA-funded research and strengthening our shared commitment to end diabetes.



Read more

United for a Cure: CDI Shows Support at Journey for T1D


CDI joined the community in celebrating progress and partnership at this fall’s Breakthrough T1D Journey for T1D event. Held in Ann Arbor, the inspiring evening is dedicated to advancing research, care, and hope for those living with type 1 diabetes.


Read More

NIDDK Publishes Heterogeneity of Diabetes Report


Jaclynn Hawkins, PhD, MSW, and Laura Scott, PhD, were among the list of global investigators contributing their expertise to this year's report.


The report outlines research recommendations from the NIDDK's Working Group Council on Heterogeneity of Diabetes.


View Report

From Our Partner Centers

The Brehm Center: Advancing Diabetes Research Through Collaboration


The U-M Brehm Center hosted the second annual Brehm/ Concordia Coalition meeting October 5-7. The meeting brings together an interdisciplinary team of scholars from three renowned diabetes research institutions to brainstorm and discuss innovative approaches to address diabetes.


Read more

The Brehm Tower

CDI Training and Mentoring Program

Join Us for Our Next Career Development Series Event!



Bridging Care and Community:

Caswell Diabetes Institute's Approach to Patient Advocacy


Molly Dwyer-White, MPH

Managing Director

Caswell Diabetes Institute






Molly will share her journey with outreach and advocacy, providing insights into effective strategies and her experiences improving diabetes care and research through community partnerships.


12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Friday, December 12, 2025

NCRC, Building 10, G063

Lunch provided!

TAKE OUR SURVEY!


Connect with us! If you've attended any of our sessions, we'd greatly appreciate your feedback. Your input helps us enhance our programs and better support our trainees. Scan or click the QR code to access the survey.



News You Can Use

Research Cores Office Launches New Website for U-M Researchers


The Research Cores Office recently introduced a new website that offers centralized support and helps our Research Cores advance transformational discoveries.


Learn More

Awards and Accolades

U.S. News and World Report Ranks C.S. Mott Children's Hospital #20 for Best Children's Hospitals for Diabetes & Endocrinology

Click the image to view the complete listing.

Calling for Nominations!

Research Recognition Awards


The Office of Research is calling for nominations for its Research Staff and Research Faculty Awards. The series of awards seek to recognize members of the research community whose work helps advance knowledge, solve challenging problems, create new products and enhance quality of life.


The nomination deadline is February 20.


Learn More

Who's in the News?

Crystal Holmes, DPM, CWSP, shares information on the new Michigan Lower Extremity Services (MILES) clinic in Michigan Medicine Health Lab.


Helping patients with diabetic foot disease

Susan Woolford, MD, MPH, was featured on WEMU radio.


University of Michigan Health reports increase in mental health issues among children

Mark Fendrick, MD, was quoted on Bridge Michigan and abcnews.com.


Michigan cuts off weight-loss drugs for most Medicaid patients, saving $240M


As insurers struggle with GLP-1 Drug costs, some seek to wean patients off


Ashley Gearhardt, PhD, was quoted on earth.com and Today.com.


Ultra-processed foods trigger hidden addiction in older adults


4 Types of Foods That Trigger Powerful Cravings

Erica Jansen, PhD, shares her research on BBC.com.


The surprising foods that lead to better sleep

Faculty Publications

Minal Patel, PhD, MPH, et al. published in JAMA Health Forum


Employment and Health Burden Changes Among Medicaid Expansion



Ormond MacDougald, PhD, published in Molecular Metabolism (login required)


Effects of β -catenin deficiency on adipose tissue physiology


Allison Affinati, MD, PhD, Martin Myers, MD, PhD, Ormond MacDougald, PhD, Nadejda Bozadijieva-Kramer, PhD, et al. published in Molecular Metabolism 


Control of physiologic glucose homeostasis via hypothalamic modulation of gluconeogenic substrate availability


Eva Feldman, MD, PhD, et al. published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice


Associations between HbA1c and complications in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before age 6: A 30-year follow-up study


Eva Feldman, MD, PhD, Stephanie Eid, PhD, et al. published in Experimental Neurology


Dietary and exercise interventions improve cognition and alter hippocampal transcriptomics in a mouse model of the metabolic syndrome


Briana Mezuk, PhD, et al. published in Healthcare


Psychological Care Needs and Mental Health Service Use Among Adults with Diabetes: Evidence from the Diabetes, Distress, and Disparities (3D) Study



Save the Date

MeTRIC Symposium - January 27, 2026

The MeTRIC Symposium brings together University of Michigan researchers and experts to share their work, outline obstacles and lessons learned, and provide guidance for successfully utilizing digital and mobile technologies in health, wellness or human performance research. 


8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
NCRC

Funding Opportunities






See UMMS Competition Space for a full list of internal funding opportunities.

Let's Stay Connected

We would love to "Dialogue" with you! If you have stories, information, or events related to diabetes, obesity, metabolism, and their complications to share, please email Ericka Hudson-Thomas at hudsone@umich.edu.

Emails going into your "junk" folder? Add michigandiabetes@med.umich.edu to your Safe Senders list in Outlook. Under the Home tab choose either the Junk icon or the ellipsis (...) on the far right. Click Junk, then Junk Email Options. There you should see the Safe Senders tab.