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Karla F. Leavens, MD, PhD

Pediatric Endocrinologist
Dr. Leavens uses stem cell-derived beta cells to model pediatric beta cell disease, including monogenic diabetes and congenital hyperinsulinism. The goal of her studies is to better understand and develop novel therapeutics to treat these diseases.
Education and Training
MD, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Residency, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (Pediatrics)
Fellowship, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Pediatric Endocrinology)
Titles and Academic Titles
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Publication Highlights
Tamaroff J, DeDio A, Wade K, Wells M, Park C, Leavens K, Rummey C, Kelly A, Lynch DR, McCormack SE. Friedreich's Ataxia related Diabetes: Epidemiology and management practices. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2022 Apr; 186: 109828. PubMed PMID: 35301072
George MN, Leavens KF, Gadue P. Genome Editing Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model β-Cell Disease and Unmask Novel Genetic Modifiers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jun; 12:682625. PubMed PMID: 34149620
Wild KT, Nomakuchi TT, Sheppard SE, Leavens KF, De León DD, Zackai EH. Hyperinsulinism in an individual with an EP300 variant of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. Am J Med Genet A. 2021 Apr; 185(4):1251-55. PubMed PMID: 33442921
Leavens KF, Birnbaum MJ. Insulin signaling to hepatic lipid metabolism in health and disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol. 2011 Jun; 46(3):200-15. PubMed PMID: 21599535