Our Research Members

The objective of our research program is to define the genetic and environmental factors driving autoimmune mediated targeting of islet cells and to use this information to design and test therapeutics that prevent, block progression of or reverse type 1 diabetes. We have taken a multidisciplinary approach to genetic, genomic and immunological analysis of T1D risk in a well-validated mouse models, focusing on dissection of the complex genetics to provide insight into human T1D pathogenesis. We have extended these studies of the role of sex and of intestinal commensal bacteria on modifying genetic risk, and application of discoveries in rodent models to large, prospective cohort study of environmental determinants of T1D in genetically at risk children.

I am interested in obesity and insulin resistance. More specifically I aim to assess the role of the central nervous system in mediating various metabolic processes in humans in responses to drugs and peptides. Another avenue of research I will explore is investigating the etiology of obesity, its metabolic complications and response to treatment. I aim to utilize a combination of integrative in vivo physiology, genetic and pharmacological approaches to answer these research questions with the ultimate aim of potentially developing novel therapies for metabolic disorders.

I am interested in research that focuses on diabetes self-care management (DSM).

As part of interprofessional research teams, I have studied the effectiveness of DSM education programs, utilization and attrition such programs, food insecurity in Canadians with diabetes, and gender differences, psychosocial and clinical factors that help us better understand and serve those affected by diabetes.

I pursue population-based health services research focusing on patients with diabetes who undergo lower limb amputation. I am interested in better characterizing the epidemiology, outcomes, health-resource use and costs of lower limb amputation in diabetic patients as well as limb preservation therapies. The purpose of this work is to inform population-level interventions to reduce diabetes-related foot complications.

Research in the Drucker lab is focused on understanding the biology of gut hormones, with a major focus on GIP and the glucagon-like peptides. The lab studies how glucagon, GIP, GLP-1, and GLP-2 regulate energy homeostasis, metabolic control, and cardiovascular function via effects on the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, cardiovascular system and central nervous system. Specific projects elucidate novel mechanisms of glucagon, GIP, GLP-1 and GLP-2 action through studies of their respective receptors in peripheral tissues. Research staff utilize a combination of techniques that involve studies of signal transduction, generation of transgenic or knockout mice, and studies of rodent models of peptide hormone action with a focus on diabetes, obesity, endocrine systems, and intestinal disease.