2025 PRESENTER PROFILES
Proglucagon Peptide Cross Talk
Saturday, June 21, at 3:15 p.m. CT
Room W194 AB • McCormick Place Convention Center
The Role of Proglucagon Peptides in Energy and Glucose Metabolism
Marzieh Salehi, MD, MS
Professor of Medicine, Medical Director of Bartter Clinical Research Unit, Audie Murphy Hospital, South Texas Veteran Health Care System, University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Internal Medicine, Diabetes Division
What is your presentation about?
This presentation will examine the physiology of proglucagon-derived peptides and their roles in glucose metabolism and energy balance, highlighting emerging evidence that challenges traditional paradigms. Additionally, the glucoregulatory effects of these peptides following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery—where glucose tolerance improves and postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon levels are exaggerated—will be discussed.
How do you hope your presentation will impact diabetes research or care?
Both GLP-1 and glucagon signaling pathways have been leveraged in the development of therapies for diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic disorders. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which these peptides regulate glucose and nutrient metabolism can guide the development of more effective strategies utilizing surgical, medical, and nutritional interventions to treat diabetes and obesity.
How did you become involved with this area of diabetes research or care?
I am a board-certified endocrinologist, educator, and a translational investigator with expertise in obesity and diabetes. Over the past 15 years, my research has focused on glucose tolerance and pancreatic islet-cell function, particularly the roles of proglucagon-derived peptides (GLP-1 and glucagon) and neural signals in individuals with obesity and diabetes, using in vivo physiologic studies. This work bridges clinical care and research to advance our understanding of metabolic disease and guide the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
