Making metabolic health a priority

UT San Antonio has a bold vision for the future of metabolic health that is reflected in our mission. We strive every day to make lives better for the people of Texas and beyond by bringing the power of science to the bedside, to the community and to the next generation of scientists and physicians.

Redefining obesity

New obesity treatments must factor in the complexity of the condition and the connection to chronic disease.

Better together

Dr. Ralph DeFronzo proposes treating diabetes with combination drug therapy rather than single medications. His research highlights pioglitazone, a powerful but underused insulin sensitizer, which, when paired with GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, can control diabetes in up to 95% of patients.

Bold research aims to halt liver disease before it turns deadly

Researchers, including Dr. Luke Norton and Dr. Madesh Muniswamy, are leading efforts to understand and prevent metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (MASH).

Early diabetic kidney disease detection can help prevent irreversible damage

Dr. Kumar Sharma’s team at the Center for Precision Medicine is uncovering how high glucose damages kidney cells and leads to diabetic kidney disease.

Advances in preventing and treating diabetic neuropathy

Dr. Lee Rogers and Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez lead research and care to prevent diabetic neuropathy and limb amputations with new remote monitoring technologies.

Centers bring together science and care to take on diabetes and metabolic disorders

The Center for Molecular Metabolism and the newly opened Center for Excellence in Diabetes, serve as important hubs that foster communication and collaboration among investigators and help turn research findings into real-world impact.

Uncovering hidden biology of childhood obesity to target prevention strategies

Dr. Lily Dong’s research focuses on the unique biology of childhood obesity, emphasizing that children’s metabolism and fat regulation differ from adults.

The incretin revolution

GLP-1–based incretin drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are transforming obesity and Type 2 diabetes care by mimicking gut hormones that regulate insulin and appetite. However, they’re costly and weight often returns when treatment stops. Researchers at UT Health San Antonio are studying how to make incretin therapies longer lasting and more effective, including combining them with drugs that improve leptin sensitivity and metabolism.

Measures of success