Aoife M. Egan, M.B., B.Ch., Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

The research interests of Aoife M. Egan, M.B., B.Ch., Ph.D., include diabetes before, during and after pregnancy. Her current work focuses on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM is typically diagnosed in the late second trimester of pregnancy and is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. While GDM tends to resolve after pregnancy, women with GDM have a very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Dr. Egan's research seeks to address unanswered questions regarding pathogenesis and risk of type 2 diabetes in women with GDM.

Focus areas

• Postpartum pancreatic function. In collaboration with Adrian Vella M.D., and his team, Dr. Egan is conducting in vivo studies to understand the physiological changes that occur in the human pancreas in the first year postpartum.
• Effect of pregnancy on pancreatic morphology. Dr. Egan is identifying the structural changes that occur in the endocrine pancreas during and after pregnancy. This work is in collaboration with Aleksey Matveyenko, Ph.D.
• Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in women. Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) as a resource, Dr. Egan seeks to understand the association between clinical variables and risk of type 2 diabetes in women.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Egan's research provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of GDM and long-term risk of type 2 diabetes in women who develop GDM. This research facilitates the development of interventions to effectively treat those at greatest risk. Dr. Egan partners with a collaborative team of scientists and clinicians with the shared objective of improving outcomes for women and their children.

Professional highlights

• Grant, K23 Award, Elucidating the Pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2023.
• Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health Research Scholar, Office of Research on Women's Health, NIH, Mayo Clinic, 2021.
• Advisor, Pregnancy & Reproductive Health Interest Group Leadership Team, American Diabetes Association, 2020.
• Women's Health Research Award, Mayo Clinic, 2019.
• Grant, Endocrine Fellows Foundation, 2018.