Roger Unger, Endocrinologist and Authority on Diabetes, Dies

The University of Texas Southwestern scientist studied the roles of glucagon and insulin in regulating blood glucose, leading to several successful treatments.

amanda heidt
| 2 min read
Roger Unger, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, type 1, type 2, glucagon, insulin, leptin, lipotoxicity, University of Texas Southwestern, endocrinology, hormone, obituary

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Roger Unger, who studied the hormonal underpinnings of diabetes for more than 60 years, died on August 22 at age 96. During his long tenure at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center that ended in July when he retired, he discovered the roles of the hormones glucagon and insulin in controlling blood sugar levels in the body.

Born in 1924 in New York, Unger attended Yale University and Columbia University during his medical training before spending the majority of his professional career at UTSW, where he was one of the longest-serving faculty members. He was the founding director of the Touchstone Diabetes Center, and his work helped elevate the institution to a world leader in the study and treatment of diabetes and related endocrine disorders. For his significant contributions to the field, he was awarded several honors, including the Banting Medal (1975), the Claude Bernard Memorial Medal (1980), ...

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Meet the Author

  • amanda heidt

    Amanda Heidt

    Amanda was an associate editor at The Scientist, where she oversaw the Scientist to Watch, Foundations, and Short Lit columns. When not editing, she produced original reporting for the magazine and website. Amanda has a master's in marine science from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and a master's in science communication from UC Santa Cruz.
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