Dr. Bernard Zinman, OC, Leaves Lasting Legacy in Canadian Diabetes Research

March 20, 2023
By Krista Lamb

In 2022, Dr. Bernard Zinman, OC, who was the BBDC Director from 1993 to 2000, retired after 45 years as one of the world’s leading diabetes researchers. Now a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, he has created an impressive legacy during his career as a clinician-scientist at Mount Sinai Hospital and the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute.

“From the time I was a budding medical student keen on becoming an endocrinologist to now being the Director of the BBDC, Bernie has been a major support in all of my significant milestones,” says BBDC Director, Dr. Minna Woo. “I still remember Bernie’s face occupying the entire Jumbotron as he was part of the team unveiling the results of the DCCT. The excitement in the room at the American Diabetes Association meeting, where there were thousands of people from around the globe, was truly palpable as we breathed in a history-making moment. We in the Toronto diabetes community are truly fortunate to have a world-leading researcher continually supporting and encouraging us in our academic and clinical journey, as we work together to improve the lives of those living with diabetes.”

Zinman had an early interest in biochemistry and metabolism, which led to his decision to study endocrinology and diabetes. He was working in basic  (foundational) research when, in 1982, the National Institute of Health announced the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). This long-term study hoped to determine if it was possible to prevent the long-term complications of type 1 diabetes. At the time, there was no firm understanding of whether glucose control would improve overall health outcomes. Zinman, already interested in clinical research, liked the idea in being part of a study that could help determine ways to prevent or delay complications. He applied to become an investigator on the study, which started in 1983, and which continues to this day.

Throughout the years, Zinman was Principal Investigator of the University of Toronto DCCT centre, as well as a vice-chair of the study group’s steering committee. In 1993 the research team announced the seminal discovery that keeping glucose levels regulated could reduce complications in type 1 diabetes. This finding helped shape treatment plans for millions of people around the world, reducing their risk of complications and inspiring a new generation of scientists to study ways to improve outcomes for those with diabetes. The DCCT work is among the most highly-cited publications in diabetes research, attesting to the importance of the work.

Zinman also had the opportunity to work on other important clinical research programs, including one in Sandy Lake, Ontario. There, he and Dr. Stewart Harris worked alongside the local Indigenous community to find solutions that would reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the region. The Sandy Lake Health and Diabetes Project began in 1993 and continues today to improve our understanding of the significant burden of type 2 diabetes in the community, as well as opportunities to reduce this risk.

In recent years, Zinman has continued to lead and innovate work in type 2 diabetes treatment and care. He was the lead investigator on the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, which examined the efficacy of a new class of medications for type 2 diabetes. The study found that the drug empagliflozin reduced cardiovascular outcomes and death, renal disease progression as well as lowering blood glucose levels. These findings showed how this new therapy could improve health outcomes for those with type 2 diabetes. They’ve had a significant impact on diabetes treatment and have been incorporated nationally and internationally in diabetes treatment guidelines.

Now moving into retirement, Zinman continues to be a supportive force in the diabetes community, encouraging the next generation of scientists to pursue new discoveries to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.