RIT’s Siewe receives award for mathematical modeling research linking obesity and diabetes

RIT Assistant Professor Nourridine Siewe has received a $500,000 National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) – First Award for his work in mathematical models of obesity-induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and chronic wound healing.

The core objective of Siewe’s proposal is to develop an advanced mathematical model that explains the pathways through which obesity leads to T2DM. This model will also be utilized to assess the efficacy of anti-T2DM drugs. By integrating recent research findings into the model, Siewe aims to offer new insights into the disease process and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions with greater precision. 

“This award underscores the importance of integrating mathematical modeling with clinical research to address complex health challenges,” said Siewe. “It paves the way for future advancements in chronic disease management and drug efficacy evaluation.”

Obesity is a significant driver of T2DM, with 85% of adult Americans diagnosed with T2DM being overweight or obese, and 30% of obese adults suffering from the disease. Despite progress in understanding the mechanisms linking obesity to T2DM, there remains a pressing need for comprehensive models to further explore these dynamics and improve treatment strategies. 

The successful execution of this project promises to revolutionize the approach to modeling glucose-insulin dynamics, particularly in the context of obesity-induced T2DM. The anticipated outcomes of this research will provide a robust framework for designing and analyzing within-host mathematical models, which can significantly enhance understanding of glucose-insulin regulation in both health and disease. 

The modeling techniques developed through this research have the potential for broad applications. They could be replicated in other areas, such as chronic infections and diseases like cancer, hepatitis B virus, and wound healing in diabetes and obesity. The innovative approaches proposed will likely lead to improved virtual patient models, essential for evaluating new experimental or approved drugs. 

The NIGMS SuRE - First Award is a competitive grant designed to support researchers early in their careers, focusing on innovative and impactful research projects that address significant scientific questions. The program aims to foster excellence in research and provide the necessary resources for researchers to achieve their goals.