Karen L. Teff, Ph.D.

Co-Director: Office of Obesity Research
Program Director: Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases

Effects of bariatric surgery on diabetes and metabolism, clinical and basic science of hepatic metabolism and hypoglycemia, human sleep and diabetes

karen.teff@nih.gov 301-594-8803 Add to Contacts

Responsibilities & Activities

My portfolio includes basic and clinical research grants in the following areas: (1) the effects of bariatric surgery on diabetes and other outcomes associated with the pathophysiology of diabetes; (2) studies examining the mechanisms involved with, as well as the prevention, treatment, and pathophysiology of hypoglycemia; 3) autonomic control and contribution to metabolic dysfunction and 4) human sleep and circadian rhythms.

Research Programs

Clinical Research in Type 1 Diabetes
Determinants, etiology, progression, prevention, and treatment of type 1 diabetes in children and adults.

Clinical Research in Type 2 Diabetes
Progression and treatment of type 2 diabetes in children and adults.

Diabetes: Treatment, Prevention, & Complications
Basic and clinical studies aimed at addressing the prevention, treatment, and pathophysiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Metabolic Pathways
Studies on the pathways that are involved in intermediary metabolism as they impact endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Metabolism, Energy Balance & Obesity
Basic studies in non-human animals related to the neural control of energy balance and weight gain, loss and maintenance.

Pathophysiology of Diabetes & Metabolic Disease
Basic and clinical research that addresses the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Committees & Working Groups

Management Committee, DEM
Co-Director Office of Obesity Research
Clinical Sciences Working Group, Member
Trans-NIH SRCC, NIDDK representative
Stakeholder Engagement Working Group

Select Experience

Director, Clinical and Translational Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, 2011-2013

Member, Monell Chemical Senses Center, 2006-2013

Director, Translational Research, Diabetes Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, 2006-2013

Member, Monell Chemical Senses Center, 1996-2004

Ph.D., McGill University, 1988