Dr. Richard Surwit

Biography

Richard Samuel Surwit is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Duke University, focusing on the intersection of psychological factors and diabetes management. His extensive research program addresses the role of stress, personality variables, and depression in diabetes mellitus, notably through clinical trials. Surwit completed a significant study on stress-management methods for type 2 diabetes, demonstrating that brief group interventions could lead to improved glycemic control. His ongoing research includes the impact of cognitive-behavioral programs on diabetes treatment and the relationship between depression and diabetes control, with findings highlighting a stronger correlation in type 1 diabetes patients. He investigates how personality traits like hostility affect glucose metabolism, particularly in African-American populations, contributing to the understanding of racial disparities in diabetes prevalence. Surwit’s laboratory also explores the metabolic mechanisms in various mouse models of obesity and diabetes, paving the way for insights into effective treatments for diabetes management.

Research Interests

Experience