Gerald Reaven

Gerald Reaven

Born	July 28, 1928
Birth place	Gary, Indiana, USA
Died	February 12, 2018
Place of death	Stanford, California, USA
Nationality	American
Known for	Discovery of Syndrome X (Metabolic Syndrome)

Gerald M. Reaven (July 28, 1928 – February 12, 2018) was an American endocrinologist and professor emeritus in medicine at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He is best known for his pioneering work in the field of endocrinology and metabolism, particularly for his identification and characterization of Syndrome X, now commonly referred to as Metabolic Syndrome.

Early Life and Education

Gerald Reaven was born in Gary, Indiana, and he pursued his undergraduate and medical education at the University of Chicago. He completed his medical degree in 1953 and subsequently trained in internal medicine and endocrinology.

Career

Reaven joined the faculty at Stanford University in 1960, where he spent the majority of his career. He became a full professor in 1970 and served as the chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism.

Research Contributions

Reaven's most significant contribution to medical science was his identification of Syndrome X, a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

In 1988, Reaven presented his findings on Syndrome X at the American Diabetes Association's Banting Lecture, highlighting the role of insulin resistance as a central feature of the syndrome. His work laid the foundation for understanding the interconnected nature of these metabolic disorders and their impact on cardiovascular health.

Legacy

Reaven's work has had a profound impact on the field of diabetes and cardiovascular disease research. His identification of Metabolic Syndrome has led to increased awareness and research into the prevention and management of these conditions. Reaven published over 500 scientific papers and received numerous awards for his contributions to medicine.

Personal Life

Reaven was married and had three children. He passed away on February 12, 2018, in Stanford, California.

Also see

• Metabolic Syndrome
• Insulin Resistance
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Endocrinology