Connecting the Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolism, and Related Complications Community at the University of Michigan | | |
In this Issue...
* A Patient's Perspective
* Institute Happenings
* Awards & Accolades
* Training & Mentoring Update
* Partner Centers
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* Community Engagement
* In the News
* Faculty Publications
* For Your Information
* Save the Date
* Funding Opportunities
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Using Genetic Testing, Doctors Help Patient Find the Answers for Her Diabetes
Following a 30-year misdiagnosis of type 1 diabetes, patient Autumn Caris finally gets the answer she's been seeking with the help of Drs. Rachel Reinert and David Broome.
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| | U-M patient, Autumn Caris (on right), along with her son and husband. | |
Save Your Spot! Register for the 2026 CDI Symposium
Join us for the 5th annual Caswell Diabetes Institute Metabolism, Obesity, Nutrition & Diabetes Symposium. This one-day event brings together researchers, clinicians, trainees and colleagues from U-M and beyond to share new research, emerging ideas and discoveries across metabolism, obesity, nutrition and diabetes. Register today and be part of the conversation!
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CDI Seminar Series Kicks Off Next Month!
The 2026–27 CDI Seminar Series returns Monday, September 14! Join us at NCRC every Monday from noon to 1 pm, September through May, for engaging presentations from renowned guest speakers and exciting research updates from CDI faculty and trainees.
Save the date—and your appetite—and join us for lunch beginning September 14!
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Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren Offers "7 Things Every Family Caregiver Should Know- but Many Don't"
CDI faculty member Jeffrey Kullgren, MD, MS, MPH, offers helpful tips for those navigating the complex role of "caregiver" for another adult while reminding them that they don't have to do it alone.
Learn More in Michigan Medicine Health Lab
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Summer Fun at the CDI Picnic!
Good food, great company, and a little friendly competition made for a perfect summer afternoon at the CDI Summer Picnic on Friday, June 19, at the NCRC South Atrium and Courtyard.
Guests dug into picnic favorites like BBQ pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, coleslaw and fresh watermelon, then cooled off with delicious Washtenaw Dairy ice cream and all the toppings. The fun continued with games of cornhole and giant Jenga, while the highly anticipated CDI raffle gave several lucky guests the chance to take home CDI swag.
Most of all, the picnic was the perfect opportunity to step away from the daily routine, connect with colleagues and friends, and enjoy the summer season.
| | Dr. Ashley Gearhardt Takes Us Inside U-M's Fast Lab to Learn More About Ultra-Processed Food | | Click the image to view the video. | |
U-M Health Recognized as Michigan's Top Hospital by U.S. News & World Report
Good news all around! U-M Health in Ann Arbor once again ranks among the nation's best hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Adding to the excitement, U-M Health is the only Michigan hospital included on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll, which recognizes the top 20 hospitals among more than 4,000 nationwide.
As indicated in the image above, our Diabetes and Endocrinology program was also ranked #1 in Michigan! Go Blue!
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Kristina Brookshire-Gay, PhD, and Cara Olofsson, RD, Receive Champions of Pediatric Psychology Award
The Division of Pediatric Psychology recently awarded Kristina Brookshire-Gay, PhD, and Cara Olofsson, RD, the Champions of Pediatric Psychology Award for their work advancing a more integrated approach to diabetes care.
The Champions of Pediatric Psychology Award recognizes an individual or group that advocates for and promotes the full integration of pediatric psychology and mental health into comprehensive health care for patients and families.
Read More
| | Kristina Brookshire-Gay, PhD | | | |
Mita Varghese, PhD, Receives 2026 Women in Endocrinology Award
Dr. Mita Varghese received the 2026 Young Investigator Award at the Women in Endocrinology Annual Meeting held in Chicago, IL, earlier this summer.
The Young Investigator Award recognizes the scientific contributions of outstanding young investigators in Endocrinology.
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Our Training & Mentoring Program brings trainees together for opportunities to learn, connect, and grow beyond the bench. Throughout the remainder of 2026, we’ll explore topics such as leadership, effective teaching, research presentation, career balance and more, with new speakers and conversations designed to support trainees at every stage of their careers.
Join us on the last Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at NCRC, B10, Room G064 (unless otherwise noted) for a chance to learn something new, connect with colleagues across the institute, and enjoy lunch, courtesy of CDI!
| | Frederike Sass, PhD, Named Brehm/Concordia Coalition Scholar | | |
The Brehm Center is pleased to welcome Frederike Sass, PhD, as its newest Brehm/Concordia Coalition Scholar.
Dr. Sass will study how NK2R signaling interacts with leptin action in the central nervous system. She earned her Ph.D. in metabolic research from the University of Copenhagen.
Read More
| | Pilot/Feasibility Grant Applications Now Open | | |
It's Time! Apply today for the Michigan Nutrition Obesity Research Center (MNORC) Pilot/Feasibility Grant.
Have questions on the process? Join Dr. Kanakadurga Singer for our virtual Q&A Session!
Tuesday, September 22, 1 p.m. via Zoom. https://umich.zoom.us/j/99093836289
The deadline to apply for this year's grant is Friday, October 9 at 5 p.m.
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BREAKTHROUGH T1D
You're Invited! Breakthrough T1D Journey for T1D 2026
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Join us as we move the ball forward in curing and preventing T1D.
The unforgettable evening includes exclusive on-field experiences, cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and the annual Fund A Cure program in support of those living with type 1 diabetes.
Friday, October 9, 2026
6:00 p.m.
University of Michigan
Jack Roth Stadium Club
| | AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION (ADA) | | |
2026 State of Diabetes: Detroit
From Diabetes & Obesity Guidelines to Outcomes: Translating Evidence into Real-World Practice
The ADA is hosting the 2026 State of Diabetes for the first time in Detroit! The annual community event brings together employers, health leaders, and community members to participate in critical discussions around diabetes.
Friday, November 13, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Check-in: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Wayne State University, iBio Center
61355 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
Learn More About 2026 State of Diabetes: Detroit
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CDI Celebrates at the ADA Scientific Sessions 2026
This past June, more than 40 University of Michigan scientists presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions in New Orleans. Their work spanned novel therapeutics—including GLP-1 agonists—islet cell biology, technology and AI, metabolic health, and the real-world implementation of emerging treatments.
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The Caswell Diabetes Institute also hosted a special gathering in New Orleans, bringing the U-M community together to celebrate its accomplishments and strengthen connections.
Beyond sharing discoveries, the event offered a powerful reminder that scientific progress depends on community: standing up for rigorous research, supporting our colleagues, and working together to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes.
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2026 ADA Tour de Cure: Michigan
The U-M Caswell Diabetes Institute team raised more than $3,750 and placed among the top 10 fundraising teams in this year’s Tour de Cure: Michigan.
Held June 13, the annual fundraiser brought in more than $368,000. That’s an incredible $90,000 increase over last year!
We'd like to send a special thank you to everyone who rode, volunteered, or donated to support this important cause.
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Supporting Sophia and those Living with T1D
Check out the touching video by the Michigan State Auxiliary of Fraternal Order of Eagles in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Program here at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
Click the image to view.
| | Note: Some links may require a subscription to access. | | Journal of Interpersonal Education & Practice (JIEP) Seeks Manuscripts for Special Issues | | Click the image to enlarge. | |
U-M AI & Digital Health Innovation Introduces New AI-Assisted Tool for Research Recruitment
MiCohort Screener, developed by AI & Digital Health Innovation (AI&DHI), is an AI-assisted tool that automatically screens patient charts against a study's inclusion and exclusion criteria, helping researchers spend less time on chart reviews and more on advancing recruitment.
Learn More About MiCohort Screener
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Plan Ahead! Open Enrollment is October 12-23, 2026
Open Enrollment 2027 offers a new health plan, the Priority Health Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), as well as an opportunity for eligible, active employees to enroll in expanded long-term disability (LTD) coverage or increase existing coverage without submitting a statement of good health.
Learn More About Open Enrollment
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Dean's Lecture Symposium
Tissue Homeostasis: Implications for Resilience, Regeneration and Precision Therapy
Monday, October 12, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Dining Hall, Building 18, NCRC
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Caswell Diabetes Institute
Metabolism, Obesity, Nutrition & Diabetes Symposium
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
8:10 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.
Registration and breakfast/networking begin at 7:15 a.m.
NCRC, Building 18, Dining Hall
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Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative
2026 Fall Symposium
Curing Vision Loss from Diabetes
November 8-9, 2026
St. John's Resort
44045 Five Mile Rd.
Plymouth, MI 481070
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CDI Holiday Bake-Off
Have a favorite festive recipe? Consider entering it in the annual CDI Holiday Bake-Off!
December 10, 2026 from noon - 2 p.m.
More details to come!
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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 that you wish to share, please email Ericka Hudson-Thomas at hudsone@med.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, where you will see the Safe Senders tab. | | | | |
