As the world celebrates Women’s History Month in March, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI) recognizes the significant contributions of women in the field of diabetes research.
Dr. Lois Jovanovic, SDRI’s former chief scientific officer and CEO, was a pioneer in diabetes research and has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of diabetes in pregnancy, revolutionizing care and treatment for expectant mothers with diabetes.
Dr. Jovanovic’s groundbreaking research continues to shape the way we approach maternal health, ensuring safe pregnancies for women with diabetes. She was responsible for establishing global guidelines of care adopted by the International Diabetes Federation. She traveled the globe teaching her protocols to physicians, nurses, dietitians and educators.
Carrying on Dr. Jovanovic’s legacy is Dr. Kristin Castorino, senior research physician at SDRI.
Recently, as part of the LOIS-P Diabetes in Pregnancy Consortium, named in honor of the late Dr. Lois Jovanovic, Dr. Castorino completed a landmark pilot study, the first at-home use of a pregnancy specific-closed loop system for pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes. The study was done in partnership with the LOIS-P Diabetes in Pregnancy Research c\Consortium (Harvard University, Mayo Clinic, and Mount Sinai).
The project which began in 2019, is the first study of its kind in the U.S., which showed that a pregnancy-specific algorithm could safely and effectively be used to achieve the strict glucose targets needed for pregnancy.
“I am deeply honored to commemorate Women’s History Month by acknowledging the pivotal role women have played in diabetes research,” said Dr. Castorino. “As we reflect on the past achievements and honor the trailblazers who have paved the way, we must also recognize the urgent need for continued innovation in diabetes care.
“Through our collective efforts, we can empower women living with diabetes to thrive and help future generations combat the vicious cycle of diabetes begetting diabetes and build a brighter future.”
Dr. Castorino continues to run a diabetes-in-pregnancy clinic at the Santa Barbara County health facility that was started in 1997 by Dr. Jovanovic. The women served at the facility are low-income, minority women, who would not otherwise have access to healthcare.
In addition, each year SDRI supports around 150 women who have a pregnancy complicated by diabetes.
“Women’s History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable achievements of women like Dr. Jovanovic and Dr. Castorino who have dedicated their lives to advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient care,” said Dr. Kenneth Waxman, SDRI’s Board president.
“Their tireless efforts have transformed the landscape of diabetes research and paved the way for future generations of women in science,” he said.
For more, visit www.sansum.org.