Pioneering Early Diabetes Treatment & Prevention

Benefits of joining a diabetes research study

The three most common reasons people decide to take part in a research study are:

  • Hope of some personal therapeutic benefit
  • Confidence in their physician's recommendation to enter a trial
  • Hope of benefiting others

Join a diabetes research study.

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Diabetes Research

Can I be included in this study?

Yes, if you:

  • Are an adult with type 2 diabetes for less than 5 years. 
  • Only take medication for your diabetes or willing to start medication.
  • Are willing to take a second diabetes medication. 
  • Speak and read English or Spanish. 
  • Have an HbA1c greater than or equal to 6.8%.

No, if you:

  • Have had weight loss surgery
  • Have advanced heart or kidney disease 
  • Already take two medications for your diabetes
  • Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant in the next 4-7 years.
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About Dr. Ralph A DeFronzo

Dr. Ralph A. DeFronzo serves as Deputy Director of the Texas Diabetes Institute. As one of the nation’s leading diabetes researchers, Dr. DeFronzo is also a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Diabetes Division at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Division in San Antonio. He is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and served his Residency in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He has completed fellowships in endocrinology at the National Institutes of Health/Baltimore City Hospitals, and in Nephrology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

In 2008 Dr. Ralph DeFronzo was honored by the ADA and EASD simultaneously with the Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement Award (ADA) and the Claude Bernard for Scientific Achievement (EASD). These prestigious awards represent the pinnacle of Dr. DeFronzo’s clinical research career in the field of diabetes.

  • Lily Award, 1987 (ADA)
  • Albert Renold Award, 2001 (ADA)
  • Novartis Award, 2003 (ADA)
  • Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement Award, 2008 (ADA)
  • Claude Bernard Award for Scientific Achievement, 2008 (EASD)
  • Presidential Award, UTHSCSA, 2009
  • Outstanding Clinical Investigator Worldwide, 2012 (CODHy)
  • Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award, 2014 (American College of Clinical Nutrition)

Reference: DeFronzo RA. Banting Lecture. Diabetes 58:773-795, April 2009

The research center at the Texas Diabetes Institute is dedicated to identifying new information and medicines to help understand, prevent and control diabetes.

The Texas Diabetes Institute is a world-class center dedicated in preventing, treating and finding a cure for diabetes in collaboration with some of the world's top physicians, groups and institutions. Our team has taken the lead in this field, consistently producing positive and encouraging results for the diabetes community. Dr. DeFronzo, our Deputy Director, is a “symbol of excellence” and a true leader for our team of researchers.

Together we can put a stop to diabetes and it's harmful effects.

Dr. Ralph A. DeFronzo
MD, Deputy Director

Together we can put a stop to diabetes and it's harmful effects.