2025 YEAR IN REVIEW:
Northwestern Medicine Endocrinology​
As we look back on 2025, we are proud to share the groundbreaking research, clinical innovations and national leadership that defined Northwestern Medicine Endocrinology this year. From shaping new global clinical guidelines for obesity to leading a multicenter trial on the benefit of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in patients with Type 2 diabetes, these milestones reflect our commitment to advancing endocrine care and improving patient outcomes.

CLINICAL UPDATES AND ADVANCES

Redefining Clinical Obesity With New Global Recommendations
An international commission of experts, including Robert F. Kushner, MD, has developed a new set of global clinical recommendations for obesity aimed at better diagnosing and categorizing the condition, according to a report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
breakthroughsforphysicians.nm.org/endocrinology-clinical-article-a-better-definition-of-obesity.html
Recent Study Uncovers BCL6 Gene’s Crucial Role in Muscle Mass Maintenance
A Northwestern Medicine study published in Nature Metabolism, by Grant D. Barish, MD, has uncovered a previously unexplored relationship between a gene critical to immune cells and the establishment and maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and strength in mice.
Prioritizing Weight Loss in Patients With Obesity and Comorbidities
In a recent Medscape ReCAP, Robert F. Kushner, MD, emphasizes the importance of weight loss—particularly the reduction of body fat—as a critical strategy for enhancing overall health and mitigating the risk of adverse outcomes and associated comorbidities.
New Drug Shows Promise in Treating a Common Cause of Hypertension
A novel drug may significantly improve outcomes for a subset of patients with high blood pressure, according to findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Wenyu Huang, MD, PhD, was a co-author of the study.

RESEARCH DISCOVERIES

Rare Variation in LMNA Underlies PCOS Pathogenesis
In this Better Edge podcast episode, Margrit Urbanek, PhD, and PhD student Rosie Bauer discuss their recent research on the potential role of a rare genetic variation in the LMNA gene in the development of PCOS.
Study Identifies Link Between Body Clock Disruption and Metabolic Disease
Northwestern Medicine investigators have discovered how disruptions in circadian rhythm in our muscles combined with poor diet can contribute to the development of diabetes, according to a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Circadian Rhythms Play a Role in Muscle Repair
Clara B. Peek, PhD, senior author of a Northwestern Medicine study published in Science Advances, discusses how findings on circadian rhythms could have implications for shift workers and may also prove useful in understanding the effects of aging and obesity.
AID Systems For Type 2 Diabetes
Grazia Aleppo, MD, Kasey J. Coyne, MD, and Jelena Kravarusic, MD, PhD join the Better Edge podcast to discuss their The New England Journal of Medicine published trial on automated insulin delivery for Type 2 diabetes. The study explored whether this technology, long proven for Type 1 diabetes, can safely and effectively improve glucose control in Type 2 patients.
Protocol for Managing Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Northwestern Medicine Endocrinologists — including Emily D. Szmuilowicz, MD, MS, Zulma C. Cardona, MD, and Jared G. Friedman, MD — collaborated to develop a standardized protocol for the management of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, a growing clinical challenge linked to the increased use of SGLT2 inhibitors. The review was published in Current Diabetes Reports.
Insights Into Managing Adverse Effects of Obesity Medications
​Incretin-based medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have improved obesity treatment but necessitate careful dosing and lifestyle adjustments to manage side effects and ensure sustainable weight loss, according to an article published in JAMA. Robert F. Kushner, MD, was a corresponding author of the study.

NEWS, HONORS AND AWARDS

Innovating Diabetes Care at 85th ADA Scientific Sessions
Northwestern Medicine Endocrinology took center stage at the 2025 ADA—presenting oral presentations, leading symposia, and showcasing posters and late-breaking findings.
Northwestern Medicine Leads Breakthroughs in Endocrinology at ENDO 2025
We’re proud to have joined the ENDO 2025 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, where our team presented key advancements in metabolic, reproductive and bone health science—sharing innovative data spanning both oral and poster sessions.
Joseph T. Bass, MD, PhD, Elected to the National Academy of Medicine
Dr. Bass, chief of Endocrinology, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine for his foundational work in expanding the field of circadian mechanisms in metabolic health and disease.
Robert F. Kushner, MD, Named to the 2025 “Highly Cited Researchers” List
Dr. Kushner was one of twelve Northwestern Medicine faculty members named to the 2025 “Highly Cited Researchers” list published by Clarivate Analytics which identifies investigators who have demonstrated significant influence in their field. 
​Amisha Wallia, MD, MS, was inducted into the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) and was elected to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Planning Committee

​Grazia Aleppo, MD, was elected to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Planning Committee
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Emily D. Szmuilowicz, MD, MS, was elected to the ADA Professional Practice Committee (PPC) for 2025-26
NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE ENDOCRINOLOGY
Northwestern Medicine Endocrinology is dedicated to enhancing our patients’ health through exceptional care, education and scientific breakthroughs.
 
The Diabetes and Endocrinology Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, 2025 – 2026, is a national leader in the research and clinical management of endocrine disorders. Our research program, backed by over $9 million in funding, spans a broad spectrum of areas that intersect with various specialties.
 
Our clinical specialists are globally recognized for their expertise in treating cancers and diseases of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. They also have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating diabetes, thyroid cancer, PCOS and osteoporosis.

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