John Malone
Title: Professor of Pediatrics
Specialty: Management of type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Contact Information:
USF College of Medicine
Phone: (813) 974-5777
E-mail this USF Collaborative Partner
Details:
Topics of expertise:
Management of type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Educational and professional background:
Bachelor’s degree from Penn State and M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Malone is a pediatric endocrinologist who specializes in pediatric diabetes mellitus. He participates in clinical service, clinical and basic research in the area of pediatric diabetes.
Have you ever had a USF Collaborative grant? If so, what was your Collaborative grant and what did you learn from it?
“We were just awarded a Collaborative grant to determine whether we can provide a nutritional and exercise program to a group of 5th grade children and their families that will reduce excessive weight gain and obesity.”
What types of research have you done with children and families?
“The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) which showed that lower blood glucose for five or more years reduces complications. The Diabetes Prevention Trial (DPT) which showed that Islet Cell Antibodies (ICA) predict children who will develop diabetes, but that two tested interventions would not prevent the natural progression. New interventions are now being formulated in a study called Trial Net.” What are some lessons learned because of your research with children and families: “First, that diabetic retinopathy does occur in children, and second, that intensive insulin therapy does slow the progression of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children.”
What have you learned from your research that you wish every professional and upcoming student knew?
“Chronic hyperglycemia in young children may affect normal brain growth and development.”
What do you think is the biggest issue in your field right now and how would you address it?
“The biggest issue is a cure for type 1 diabetes mellitus. An artificial pancreas could best address it.”
