Stephanie Therese Chung, M.B.B.S.

Research Goal

Our overall goal is to minimize the burden of diabetes health disparities across the lifespan through improving diabetes prevention and management. Our research program investigates metabolic mechanisms of diabetes risk and treatment response in youth, young adults, and women.

Current Research

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Risk for diabetes and obesity vary with age, genetic susceptibility, and environmental exposures. Our research program helps to identify metabolic reasons for population-specific heterogeneity in diabetes risk. We are a translational physiology lab that conducts metabolic research studies, using state-of-the-art stable isotope and phenotyping techniques, to understand the contribution of biological, social, and lifestyle factors to cardiometabolic disease risk, progression, and treatment response. Our projects range from small proof-of-principle studies at the NIH Clinical Center to collaborative multi-center trials. Our joint transition type 2 diabetes program with The Children’s National Hospital aims to improve the care of young people with type 2 diabetes and prevent the development of diabetes-related complications. The body’s response to nutrient intake (especially glucose and lipids) is a major focus of lab. Therefore, we also investigate the complex relationship of nutrients, circadian rhythm, and liver metabolism with the goal of advancing nutrient-focused prevention strategies for youth at-risk for diabetes.

Research Focused on Health Disparities and Health Equity

Rates of youth-onset and young adult-onset type 2 diabetes are rising worldwide and associated with more severe disease and earlier onset of diabetes-related complications. To reduce health disparities and burden, early disease detection and treatment are vital, but the success of these programs’ rests with population-specific screening and therapeutic strategies. Current projects focus on addressing diabetes health disparities in youth-onset type 2 diabetes to identify reasons for metformin non-responsiveness and novel pharmacologic strategies and pharmacogenetic targets in youth.

Applying our Research

Our research helps to provide foundational knowledge on the earliest features of disease in youth and young adults. Findings from our studies will help shape goals and cutoffs for diabetes prevention and screening programs. Our research group also partners with organizations within the DC metro area, including The Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC, to promote and advocate for pediatric health and youth-onset diabetes awareness.

Need for Further Study

Youth with type 2 diabetes have high risk for diabetes-related complications. More research is needed to understand why complications develop more rapidly and how to prevent the development of heart disease. In addition, a major focus of our lab is to understand how to prevent the development of diabetes in youth by examining the role of nutrients and circadian rhythm in the development of diabetes.

• Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics, John's Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2022-Present
• Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Children's National Health System, 2015-Present
• Pediatric Endocrinologist – Faculty, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center/ Eunice Kennedy Shriver Fellowship Training Program NICHD, NIH, 2013-Present
• Society for Pediatric Research, 2016
• Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013
• Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine, 2010-2013
• Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 2005-2009
• M.B.B.S. (Hons.), University of the West Indies, Mona, 2003
• B.A. (Hons.), Knox College, 1998