Emilyn Alejandro, PhD
Bacaner Endowed Chair in Physiology,
University of Minnesota
Featured in the Session: Sexual Dimorphism in Islet Responses in the Setting of Diabetes and Obesity
When
Saturday, June 6
at 8:00 a.m. CT
Where
356 (Level 3)
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
What is your presentation about?
This talk examines how sex differences in hormones, genetics, and cellular responses influence pancreatic beta cell function and resilience. It highlights that females often exhibit greater beta cell adaptability and protection—largely mediated by estrogen—while males may be more susceptible to earlier dysfunction under metabolic stress. These differences contribute to distinct patterns in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes, underscoring the importance of incorporating sex as a biological variable in research and clinical care.
How do you hope your presentation will impact diabetes research or care?
Sex differences in biology matter because they influence how diseases develop, how patients respond to therapies, and how complications arise. Recognizing these differences allows clinicians to choose the right treatments, optimize dosing, and improve outcomes for both women and men—moving toward more precise, individualized care.
How did you become involved with this area of diabetes research or care?
We observe clear differences between the sexes in our studies, so it is imperative for rigorous science to understand these fundamental distinctions, as they may inform more effective treatments.