Faculty

Ebenezer A. Nyenwe, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine; Assistant Fellowship Training Director

Certification(s): Dr. Nyenwe is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

Location(s):

Memphis Medical Center
1325 Eastmoreland, Suite 360
Memphis, Tennessee, 38104-7514
901-448-4801, Fax: 901-448-7579

Medical Degree: University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Internship: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Residency: (Internal Medicine) Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, New York; (Internal Medicine) University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Fellowship: (Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism) University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis

Professional Associations:

American College of Physicians
American Diabetes Association
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Endocrine Society
National Medical Association

Research Interests:

My primary research interest is to elucidate the mechanism of Cocaine induced Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). We have demonstrated in a previous study that use of cocaine is the strongest independent risk factor for recurrent DKA. However, a direct cause and effect relationship has not been established between cocaine use and DKA. I propose to study the pathophysiology of cocaine induced DKA in diabetic rat models, with the view of discovering a novel approach for preventing cocaine induced DKA.

My current research project is the development of methods that would translate research proven standards of care to actual improvement in clinical outcomes in diabetic patients. I am currently involved in the design and implementation of Addressing Diabetes in Tennessee (ADT), which is a translational research project supported by a grant from the Department of Health of the state of Tennessee. The objective of the ADT is to demonstrate that the application of health information technology (Telehealth) in the care of diabetic patients would result in accessible and affordable care, which would improve outcome for patients with diabetes. This research project, which is being conducted in collaboration with the Telehealth Department of the University of Tennessee, seeks to assess the impact of utilizing telehealth to deliver specialized care to Diabetic patients in rural areas of Tennessee, where the morbidity and mortality from diabetes is high.

Recent Publications:

1. Nyenwe EA, Odia OJ, Ihekwaba AE, Ojule A, Babatunde S. Type 2 diabetes in adult Nigerians: a study of its prevalence and risk factors in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. December 2003, 62 (3); 177-185.

2. Kitabchi AE, Nyenwe EA. Hyperglycemic crises in diabetes mellitus: diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. Endocrinol and Metab Clin North Am. 2006; 35(4):725-51.

3. Nyenwe EA, Loganathan RS, Blum S, Ezuteh DO, Erani, DM Jim Y. Wan JY,
Palace MR, Abbas E. Kitabchi AE. Substance abuse and hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetes 2006;55(suppl 1):A233.

4. Nyenwe EA, Loganathan RS, Blum S, Ezuteh DO, Erani D, Palace MR, Ogugua
Characteristics of patients admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis in an inner city hospital. Journal of Investigative Medicine 2006; 54: (suppl 1) S 267.

5 Nyenwe EA, Loganathan R, Blum S, Ezuteh D, Erani D, Palace M, Ogugua C. Admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis in ethnic minority groups in a city hospital. Metabolism 2007;56(2):172-178.

6 Nyenwe EA, Loganathan R, Blum S, Ezuteh D, Erani D, Wan JY, Palace MR,
Kitabchi AE. Active use of cocaine: an independent risk factor for recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis in a city hospital. Endocr Pract. 2007; 13:22-29.

7. Nyenwe EA, Dagogo-Jack S. Recognition of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in the Iodine-Replete Environment. N Engl J Med. 2007; 357:1263-4.

8. Nyenwe EA, Bartakke, S, Mack EA, Fisher JN. Hemoglobin N Baltimore: another cause of false HbA1c estimation. Journal of Investigative Medicine 2007; 55 (suppl 1):S296.

9. Nyenwe EA, Dagogo-Jack S. Diabetes mellitus in high-risk ethnic populations. In Goldstein BJ, Mueller-Wieland D (Eds) Type 2 diabetes: principles and practice, 2nd edition, 2008; 501-512. Taylor & Francis Group, New York.