Dr. John Karam, a renowned diabetes researcher for over 40 years died in a tragic accident in late September. At the time, Dr. Karam was leaving a Diabetes Faculty meeting at UCSF.

A Faculty member since 1968, Dr. Karam was one of the first to investigate the role of obesity in diabetes and its genetic causes. His early professional accomplishments include landmark observations on insulin resistance including the positive relationship of obesity with acquired resistance and the insulin sparing effects of biguanides. He also helped to define the role of glucagon in normal physiology and diabetic pathophysiology.

Importantly, Dr. Karam and partner Graeme Bell were first to describe the diabetes type 1 susceptibility gene (IDDM 2). This discovery helps lay the foundations for the development of genetic testing for susceptibility to the diabetes, which is another tool that can help identify those who are at risk for developing diabetes, so that preventive measures can begin as early as possible.

After retiring he became an Professor Emeritus at UCSF and continued to be integral part of the UCSF diabetes community. In 1993 the American Diabetes Association recognized Dr. Karam as "Outstanding Physician Educator in Diabetes".

John H. Karam was a man of exceptional grace, talent and humility and also a greatly accomplished clinical scientist and teacher. Dr. Karam's former students - now practicing medicine throughout the world - and the entire UCSF diabetes community mourn the loss of their friend and colleague..

The Karam Family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in John Karam's memory be directed to to the Diabetes Center at UCSF to establish a lectureship in his honor.