Endocrine & Metabolic Unit

Endocrine & Metabolic Unit
Our research focuses on identifying biomarkers, developing community-based obesity intervention programs, and elucidating disease pathways to enable early detection, diagnosis, monitoring, and targeted therapy.
We employ various techniques in our research, including biochemistry analysis, cell culture, molecular techniques, animal models, and metabolomics. Our researchers are involved in studies aimed at identifying new biomarkers for the early detection and prognosis of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This includes an exploratory study on plasma N-glycan profiling as a potential T2DM signature. Additionally, we investigate the metabolic changes following metabolic surgery in obese diabetic patients using both metabolomic and molecular approaches.
The unit also examines the effects of lifestyle modifications, such as intermittent fasting, on inflammatory markers, lipid profiles, and metabolite profiles. Another area of expertise is the study of local functional foods and plant extracts for their antidiabetic properties, utilizing both in vivo and in vitro techniques.
Our unit continues to collaborate with other institutions in both the government and private sectors on relevant research projects. We aim to establish ourselves as a leading center of excellence in preclinical research on endocrinology and metabolic diseases.
Executive Summary
Head of Endocrine & Metabolic Unit
Dr Norhashimah binti Abu Seman
BSc, PhD.
Telephone: +603-33627827
Email: nor.hashimah@moh.gov.my

Human Resource Profile
Specialist
Medical Officers
Research Officers
Support Staffs
Focus Area
Discovery, Treatment & Management, Prediction: Diabetes
Scope: Metabolomics/Genomics, Functional food/Natural products – preclinical, Intervention
Highlights:
Genetic studies on diabetes complications
Metabolomics and molecular effects of metabolic surgery
Anti-diabetes properties of natural products and functional food
Discovery, Treatment & Management: Obesity
Scope: Metabolomics/Genomics, Biomarkers, Functional food /Natural products – preclinical, Effectiveness
Highlights
Community obesity intervention studies among school children, housewives, and in the workplace
Metabolomics and molecular effects of metabolic surgery