April 3, 1930
(Zagreb, Croatia)
June 18, 2019
MD, University of Zagreb (1955)
DSc, University of Zagreb (1962)
2013: Honorary DSC, McMaster University
2011: Honorary DSc, University of Toronto
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2013: Honorary DSC, McMaster University
2011: Honorary DSc, University of Toronto
2011: Honorary DSc, University of Saskatchewan
2011: Honorary DSc, University of Zagreb
2010: Officer of the Order of Canada
2010: Order of Ontario
2007: Lifetime Achievement Award, Canadian Diabetes Association
2006: The Society of Chinese Bioscientists of North America
2005: Renold Award for Educating Scientists, American Diabetes Association
1997: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
1995: Solomon A. Berson Distinguished Lectureship of American Physiological Society - Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, FASEB, Atlanta
1991: Banting Medal for Research, American Diabetes Association
1989: JDFI Mary Kugel Award
1988-1989: Canada Council Killam Scholar
1985: Inaugural Banting and Best Memorial Lecture and the Canadian Diabetes Association Award
Mizuno Inaugural Lectureship and Award
Revealed hypertriglyceridemia to be part of insulin resistance and championed the total body concept of diabetes treatment
A pioneer in diabetes research and treatment
In 1963, Dr. Mladen Vranic was invited to come to Canada by Dr. Charles H. Best, the co-discover of insulin, to be his final post-doctoral fellow. This sojourn marked the beginning of Dr. Vranic’s remarkable career as a leading advocate for the advancement of diabetes research, and teacher of innumerable renowned scientists and academic leaders. The first of Dr. Vranic’s major scientific contributions was the development of a precise tracer method that in combination with glucose clamps, measures precisely steady and non-steady state glucose turnover. Using this technique, he participated in the first clinical studies in insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia. From here, his brilliant career would lead to many more important contributions to medical science.
Key Facts
Pioneered physiological and molecular mechanisms whereby exercise improves, or prevents onset of, type 2 diabetes
Demonstrated a new mechanism whereby the muscle is protected against hyperglycemia and, therefore, against diabetic complications
Revolutionized the field by changing prevailing views that a given hormone is synthesized only in a specific gland
Outlined the mechanisms of decreased counterregulation of hypoglycemia on the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and pancreas
Demonstrated that intermitted neurological stress prevents onset of diabetes similarly to exercise and provided the mechanism for this effect in the brain and pancreas
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Vranic’s impact on the field of diabetes has revolutionized physiological understanding of the condition not only in Canada but around the world. Moreover, his discovery of the impact of exercise on the management of diabetes translated bench research to bedside care in ways that continue to impact countless lives. To take but one example, Dr. Vranic’s work has led to more precise measurements of blood sugar levels, which has made it possible for people with diabetes to participate in a greater variety of physical activity, including the Olympics. Additionally, his tireless commitment to exploring glucose regulation creates new pathways towards methods to treat potential complications in insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes.
2009
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Mladen Vranic inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Montreal, Quebec
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Dr. Vranic received an honorary degree from the Karolinska Institute Medical Faculty in Stockholm
Upon receiving the degree, he became one of only three Canadians to have received this honour.
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Dr. Mladen Vranic organized the first symposium on Exercise and Diabetes sponsored by the Kroc Foundation
DiabetesThis meeting served as the catalyst for many more symposiums over the next three decades.
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Dr. Mladen Vranic presented his discovery of extra-pancreatic glucagon at the Conference of Glucagon held at Santa Ynez ranch in California
Hormones, DiabetesThis finding revolutionized the field by changing prevailing views that a given hormone is synthesized only in a specific gland. This perspective provided additional evidence regarding the importance of glucagon in pathogenesis of diabetes.
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Dr. Vranic served as a leader in both Canadian and international settings
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentIn 1972, he became chair and organizer of the Tracer Methodology Study Group for the American Societies of Experimental Biology.
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Dr. Vranic became full professor of Physiology and Medicine at the University of Toronto
Leadership in Organizational Development, Health and Medical Education & TrainingLater, he served as the Department’s chair from 1991-1995.
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Dr. Charles Best, one of the co-discoverers of Insulin, invited Dr. Vranic to Toronto
He became Dr. Best’s last post-doctoral fellow.
1992
I’ve never given up.
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