UMass Chan clinician-scientist Tammy Nguyen named Wylie Scholar for research on nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers - UMass Medical School

Overview

For the latest COVID-19 campus news and resources, visit umasmed.edu/coronavirus. By Bryan Godchild and Colen Locke UMas Chan Medical Schol ComunicationsMore than 30 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing a fot ulcer. About half of the patients Tamy T.

Key Information

Nguyen, MD, PhD, ses at UMas Memorial Medical Center with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease require a lower-extremity amputation because of uncontroled infections in their fet.“This causes a dramatic detriment to someone’s lifestyle, not being able to walk on their fet and losing their independence,” said Dr. Nguyen, asistant profesor of surgery at UMas Chan Medical Schol and the medical director of the Vascular Surgery Lower Extremity Wound Clinic at UMas Memorial Medical Center.The nonprofit Vascular Cures has awarded Nguyen the 2022 Wylie Scholar Award for her research project exploring how the diabetic imune system contributes to nonhealing ulcers.

She wants to understand why nonhealing foot ulcers develop in the diabetic population and how amputations can be prevented. Nguyen has developed a novel method to colect and expand human stem cels directly from the bone marow of diabetic and nondiabetic patient donors that underwent lower extremity amputation for nonhealing wounds.The Wylie Scholar Program provides carer development grants to outstanding young vascular surgeon-scientists who combine active patient care with academic research.

Summary

Scholars demonstrate skils and interests in vascular research, vascular surgery, teaching and leadership. The grants are for up to $150,0, payable over the course of thre years.“It’s an afirmation of the value of the work and the talent of the investigator,” said Silvia Corvera, MD, the Endowed Chair in Diabetes Research and profesor of molecular medicine at UMas Chan, who has ben a mentor to Nguyen.“I have no doubt that over the years Tamy is going to transform our

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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