Pennington Biomedical Research Center, March 10, 2025 – Dr. Yun Shen, a prominent figure at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, is spearheading a groundbreaking study into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for precision hypertension management in Type-2 diabetes patients. The research, which has received a $250,000 grant from the Collaboration in Action Program, aims to improve cardiovascular health outcomes for diabetes patients by leveraging AI to tailor blood pressure treatments.
Hypertension, a common comorbidity in 85% of Type-2 diabetes patients, significantly elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Shen’s project, titled “Harnessing AI for Precision Hypertension Management: Advancing Treatment Paradigms in Type-2 Diabetes Care,” will analyze extensive anonymized data collected from the electronic health records of Type-2 diabetes patients at Our Lady of the Lake Health. By applying AI algorithms, the team seeks to develop personalized drug regimens to enhance blood pressure control, mitigate cardiovascular risks, and improve overall patient quality of life.
“The ability to utilize AI to analyze this vast pool of data will provide invaluable insights into the complexities of Type-2 diabetes, guiding us toward more effective treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs,” said Dr. Yun Shen, Assistant Professor of Chronic Disease Epidemiology Research at Pennington Biomedical. “This will not only improve blood pressure control but also significantly reduce complications related to diabetes.”
The Collaboration in Action Program, which aims to foster research partnerships, plays a crucial role in supporting innovative projects like Dr. Shen’s. Launched in September 2024, the program has committed $1.2 million to fund research initiatives addressing critical areas such as cardiovascular disease, cancer care, trauma, chronic respiratory disease, and sports medicine. Dr. Shen’s research is one of the final two projects selected in this inaugural funding round.
Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the potential of collaborative research efforts. “The research infrastructure in Baton Rouge and South Louisiana is ideal for fostering innovation,” said Dr. Kirwan. “This AI-driven project offers a promising approach to improving care for millions of Type-2 diabetes patients worldwide, and we are proud to support it.”
In line with the collaborative nature of the project, Dr. Shen is working alongside esteemed colleagues from LSU, LSU Health New Orleans, and the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Among the collaborators are Dr. Shuangqing Wei of LSU, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Yola of LSU Health New Orleans, and Drs. Tiffany Wesley Ardoin, Tonya Jagneaux, and Jolene Johnson from the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System/LSU Health New Orleans. Additional contributors include Drs. Gang Hu, Ronald Horswell, and San Chu from Pennington Biomedical.
Dr. Shuangqing Wei, a professor and chair of the LSU College of Engineering’s Electrical & Computer Engineering Division, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. “This pilot program will enable us to develop algorithms specifically tailored to manage hypertension in Type-2 diabetes patients,” said Dr. Wei. “AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, and I am excited to be part of this effort.”
Dr. Tonya Jagneaux, Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, echoed this sentiment, noting the unique opportunity to improve patient care through AI-driven insights. “Integrating AI will allow us to refine our treatment strategies, reduce healthcare disparities, and enhance care for those living with Type-2 diabetes and hypertension,” she said.
This research marks a significant step in advancing precision medicine and promises to pave the way for more effective, individualized treatments for patients battling both diabetes and hypertension.
Related topics:
Short Title: B.C. to Provide Free Diabetes and Menopause Medications by 2026
Early Gut Microbes May Play a Key Role in Diabetes Prevention, Study in Mice Reveals
Anti-Obesity Drugs Show Benefits for Kidney Transplant Recipients with Type 2 Diabetes
