The Old Exercise Remedy
words by maryann brinley /
photograph by pete byron
stephen schneider, md,
professor, department of medicine,
UMDNJ-robert wood
johnson medical school
|
hirty years ago, the very first clinical trial of Stephen Schneider, MD, provided an eye-opening moment that still pushes people to get up, get out and exercise. “Looking at the effects of physical activity on metabolism in patients with mild diabetes mellitus,” recalls this professor of medicine, “that study actually provided some of the first evidence that regular exercise might be beneficial for diabetes. Not only doing the study but sharing my results with colleagues all around the world was an exciting experience.”
Schneider’s clinical trials have continued for three decades in the areas of diabetes mellitus, obesity and hyperlipidemia, focusing on pharmaceutical interventions as well as that seminal finding he discovered about physical activity’s importance. “I find these areas to be of particular interest because of the opportunity to apply serious basic metabolic research to the clinical care of my patients.” His drug related investigations are usually industry-sponsored while diet and exercise trials have been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. He collaborates within his department and other RWJMS divisions, with Rutgers’ University’s nutrition and environmental services as well as other institutions around the country.