Zhongyu Li

Type 2 diabetes affects over 34 million U.S. adults and is linked to higher rates of several cancers. While heart-related deaths from diabetes have fallen in recent decades, cancer deaths have not. My research suggests that patients with diabetes should not be treated as having one disease, but rather as having several diseases with different risks for specific cancers. Yet who is most at risk of what and how to help them prevent cancer remains unclear. This project uses a large database of electronic health records and genetic information to: (1) study cancer risk across clinically meaningful diabetes subtypes; (2) study the role of one’s health parameters like weight and cholesterol beyond genetics on cancer risk; and (3) partner with primary-care clinicians to design tools for prioritization of high-risk cases. The goal is earlier, smarter screening and prevention tailored to each patient, thereby improving outcomes, reducing unnecessary care, and advancing value-based practice.