Image credit: Endocrine News, Endocrine Society
As a cross-country skier, swimmer, triathlete and scientist, Dr. Greg Steinberg recognizes the intimate relationship between optimal physical performance and the internal biological processes by which energy is stored and used. While decoding the mysteries of the human metabolic system is part of the path toward athletic greatness, this research is critical for improving the quality of life for those with energy processing disorders. It was his grandmother’s diabetes diagnosis, a moment that dramatically changed and disrupted Dr. Steinberg’s life, that made him realize how his academic interests could help those living with similar conditions. This shift in perspective allowed Dr. Steinberg to approach issues of cellular metabolism with fresh eyes and unlock a whole new world of questions to explore.
After completing his PhD at the University of Guelph, Dr. Steinberg took his pursuit for knowledge across the world to Australia, which has for years been considered the epicentre of the diabetes “silent pandemic”. In Australia, diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition affecting almost 5% of the total population. While there, Dr. Steinberg investigated the underlying mechanisms responsible for regulating fat metabolism in an effort to uncover how dysfunction within these pathways leads to fatty liver disease, insulin resistance and liver cancer.
Half a decade overseas eventually brought Dr. Steinberg back home to Canada with years of intensive research and leadership experience. Upon returning to Ontario, Dr. Steinberg joined the McMaster Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism Division as an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair. His motivation for innovation fosters an environment that values multidisciplinary expertise for its potential to generate unique solutions to problems facing the scientific community.
Most people with type 2 diabetes have fatty liver disease, which causes insulin resistance and contributes to the development of liver fibrosis and liver cancer. With the advent of genetic technologies, researchers have been able to more directly assess the molecules influencing energy sensing pathways. Research currently being conducted in Dr. Steinberg lab aims to develop new methods involving liver fat reduction as a means of treating diabetes. Not only does Dr. Steinberg’s research directly impact those living with type 2 diabetes but also those managing cardiovascular diseases, obesity and cancer.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, Dr. Steinberg raised almost $15,000 at the ‘Lace Up for Diabetes’ fitness fundraiser sponsored by Diabetes Canada, cycling the distance equivalent to crossing all of Canada. This is only one of the many recent expeditions Dr. Steinberg has undertaken to progress diabetes research. His many scientific contributions to the field have been recognized by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, the American Diabetes Association and the Endocrine Society.
With over 180 papers published, Dr. Steinberg’s wealth of knowledge continues to define the ever-changing field of metabolic science and inform new treatment strategies for people managing diabetes and other chronic conditions.
— Written by April Hrynyk