Douglas C. Chang, M.D., CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service
Professional Experience
- Staff Internist, Indian Health Service, 2007-present
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005-2007
- Internal Medicine Residency, Montefiore Medical Center, 2002-2005
- M.D., New Jersey Medical School, 1998-2002
- A.B., Princeton University, 1992-1996
Current Research
Our clinical research unit is dedicated to investigating the multifaceted etiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes. As part of this, we are interested in understanding determinants of energy intake and expenditure with a special emphasis on examining the interaction between hydration and obesity which is characterized by prolonged energy imbalance. Additional research examines the role of insulin and glucose regulation in metabolism and investigates novel biomarkers of type 2 diabetes.
To accomplish these goals, the clinical research unit uses state-of-the-art methods to measure body composition, insulin action and secretion, exercise fitness, food intake, and energy expenditure, including advanced techniques such as the whole-room indirect calorimeters (also called respiratory or metabolic chambers).
Obesity and its related metabolic diseases and disorders are major health problems in the United States and worldwide. Our research ultimately aims to find both better treatments and prevention for the development of obesity.
Select Publications
- Lower insulin clearance is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Native Americans.
- Shah MH, Piaggi P, Looker HC, Paddock E, Krakoff J, Chang DC.
- Diabetologia (2021 Apr) 64:914-922. Abstract/Full Text
- Reduced Albumin Concentration Predicts Weight Gain and Higher Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Humans.
- Basolo A, Ando T, Chang DC, Hollstein T, Krakoff J, Piaggi P, Votruba S.
- Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) (2021) 12:642568. Abstract/Full Text
Research in Plain Language
Our group studies the different ways a person’s body control how many calories a person eats and how many calories a person burns to understand why some people gain weight. We are also trying to understand why some people develop diabetes by studying how the body controls glucose through insulin, a hormone that helps the body to use glucose.