Gail D'Eramo Melkus

Faculty

Gail D'Eramo Melkus headshot

Gail D'Eramo Melkus

ANP EdD FAAN

Professor Emerita

1 212 998 5356

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Gail D’Eramo Melkus, EdD, ANP, FAAN, is Professor Emerita and the former vice dean for research and the Florence and William Downs Professor in Nursing Research at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Melkus’ sustained interest in eliminating health disparities among vulnerable populations earned her a reputation as a leader in the development and testing of culturally competent models of diabetes care. Her program of intervention research that focuses on physiological and behavioral outcomes of self-management interventions has served as an education and training ground for numerous multidisciplinary scientists. 

Melkus currently serves as co-PI and co-investigator or research mentor on numerous funded projects specific to biobehavioral interventions for prevention and management of chronic conditions and related co-morbidities, in mid-life and older adults, including national and international work. Melkus serves as sponsor of K-awards focused on health disparities among vulnerable populations (women with T2D and depression; elderly Blacks at-risk for depression, glycemic control and infection in oncology stem cell recipients, CHD in older adult workers, HIV in adolescents). She is PI for the NINR P20 Center for Precision Health in Diverse Populations.

Before joining the faculty at NYU Meyers, Melkus was the Independence Foundation Professor of Nursing at the Yale University School of Nursing, where, in collaboration with the Diabetes Research Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NY, she developed and implemented the Diabetes Care Specialty for advanced practice nurses. 

In recognition of her mentorship, Melkus received the 1st Annual NYU CTSI Mentor Award in May 2011, and in 2015 was inducted into the STTI Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

Melkus earned her EdD from Columbia University, MS from Yale University, MS from Connecticut State University, and ASN/BS in Nursing from the University of Bridgeport.

MS - Yale University (2003)
EdD - Columbia University (1987)
MS - Connecticut State University (1978)
ASN/BS, Nursing - University of Bridgeport (1976)

Primary care
Non-communicable disease
Women's health
Immigrants
Adult health

American Academy of Nursing
American Diabetes Association
Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science
CT Nursing Association
Eastern Nursing Research Society
Society for Behavioral Medicine

Eastern Nursing Research Award (2020)
International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, Sigma Theta Tau (2015)
STTI Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2014)
Affiliated Faculty Appointment, University of Georgia (2014)
Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Bridgeport (2014)
Faculty Scholar Appointment, Universita' Tor Vergata (2014)
Advisory Committee Member, Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage (2013)
1st annual Distinguished Mentor Award, NYU Clinical Translational Science Institute (2011)
Distinguished Scholar Award, New York University College of Nursing (2010)
Distinguished Nurse Researcher Award, New York State Nurse Foundation (2009)
Endowed Chair, New York University (2008)
Endowed Chair of the Independence Foundation, Yale University (2004)
Excellence in Nursing Research Award, Diamond Jubilee Virginia Henderson (2003)
Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2003)

Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes and Obesity in the Black and Hispanic Population: Culturally Sensitive Management

Raymond, N. R., & D’eramo-Melkus, G. (1993). The Diabetes Educator, 19(4), 313-317. 10.1177/014572179301900411
Abstract
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes is considerably higher among ethnic minorities, particularly black and Hispanic Americans, than in the nonminority white population. Obesity, a significant risk factor for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), also is more common in these ethnic groups. Because the combined effects of obesity and NIDDM can lead to potentially serious complications, overweight patients with NIDDM must be treated aggressively. However, effective treatment of these ethnic groups requires a sensitivity to and recognition of their unique cultural values. Diabetes educators and health care providers need to take into account specific ethnic beliefs, customs, food patterns, and health care practices, with the goal of incorporating these cultural factors into a practical and beneficial treatment regimen.

Type II non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Melkus, G. D. (1993). Nursing Clinics of North America, 28(1), 25-33.
Abstract
Abstract
Type II non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) occurs predominantly in adults, especially in those individuals over age 30. This disease was formerly called maturity-onset or adult-onset diabetes. A subclass of NIDDM was devised, however, for those families in which children, adolescents, or young adults develop what is referred to as maturity-onset diabetes of the young. This article reviews issues related to treatment modalities for those with type II NIDDM, including dietary management, physical activity, and pharmacologic therapy.

Assessment of nutrition care provided to patients with diabetes in primary-care clinics

Wylie-Rosett, J., Cypress, M., Walker, E., Engel, S., D’Eramo-Melkus, G., & DiLorenzo, T. (1992). Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 92(7), 854-856.

Metabolic impact of education in NIDDM

D’Eramo-Melkus, G. A., Wylie-Rosett, J., & Hagan, J. A. (1992). Diabetes Care, 15(7), 864-869. 10.2337/diacare.15.7.864
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVE - To evaluate the impact of a model program of diabetes education and weight reduction on diabetes control and weight loss in obese individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Eighty-two obese diabetic subjects were randomized to three levels of educational intensity: 1) a single individual session, 2) a 12-wk behavior-oriented diabetes education and weight control group intervention, or 3) group intervention plus six individual follow-up sessions. Repeated measures of weight, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c were collected. Measures of diabetes knowledge, skills, and attitudes were also obtained. RESULTS - By 6 mo, all three intervention groups had a significant weight loss (P < 0.01). The mean weight loss of ∼ 10 lb was independent of treatment group and was maintained over the duration of the study. However, significant improvement in metabolic control was associated with participation in the diabetes education-weight reduction intervention. CONCLUSIONS - The findings of this study indicate that a cognitive behavioral group intervention of diabetes knowledge and weight reduction training can produce weight loss and improvements in diabetes control. The addition of individual counseling as a follow-up maintenance strategy does not appear to have any advantage.

Weight reduction interventions for persons with a chronic illness: Findings and factors for consideration

D’Eramo-Melkus, G., & Hagan, J. A. (1991). Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 91(9), 1093-1096+1099.
Abstract
Abstract
Obesity in persons with a concomitant chronic illness poses complex issues relating to the choice of appropriate interventions. More recent emphasis on modification of risk factors has resulted in the need to prescribe complex therapeutic regimens with multiple treatment goals. The traditional approach to weight reduction in such persons has been nutrition education. Studies have shown, however, that knowledge alone does not translate into self-care behaviors that in turn result in weight loss and weight maintenance. Although the latter outcomes continue to be primary goals of therapy in obese individuals with a chronic illness, improvement in the physiologic parameters associated with the illness is also a desired outcome. Behavior therapy and group support appear to be enabling factors that go beyond knowledge to facilitate behavior change and subsequent changes in health-related indexes. This article describes various approaches to the problem of combined interventions for patient education and weight reduction. Findings and factors are discussed about whether the primary goal of weight reduction interventions for persons with a chronic illness should focus on pounds lost or improvement in metabolic or physiologic status.

Relationship of insulin secretion and glycemic response to dietary intervention in non-insulin-dependent diabetes

Lomasky, S. J., D’Eramo, G., Shamoon, H., & Fleischer, N. (1990). Archives of Internal Medicine, 150(1), 169-172.
Abstract
Abstract
Forty-two obese subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus had their plasma insulin, C peptide, and glucose levels measured after an overnight fast and in response to a 75-g oral glucose loading. Subjects were then prospectively followed up with dietary treatment, and the same measurements were repeated at 1 year. Although insulin values tended to be lower with greater fasting hyperglycemia at baseline, no correlation was observed among three parameters. However, near-normalization of glycemia (measured as the level of hemoglobin A1) was associated with significantly higher fasting and stimulated plasma insulin concentrations. Sixteen subjects were matched to each other for equivalent baseline hyperglycemia (by glycosylated hemoglobin) and divided into group 1 (normalization of the hemoglobin A1 value to 7.0% ± 0.3% [mean ± SE]) and group 2 (persistent hyperglycemia) (hemoglobin A1 value, 10.7% ± 0.7% [mean ± SE]). Before dietary therapy, the plasma insulin concentrations were twofold to threefold higher in group 1, and despite similar degrees of weight loss, group 2 failed to demonstrate improved glycemia. We concluded that the outcome of diet therapy for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is dependent on the duration of diabetes and endogenous insulin secretory reserve. There is a subgroup of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in whom delayed dietary intervention may have a beneficial effect.

RELATIONSHIP OF INSULIN-SECRETION AND GLYCEMIC RESPONSE TO DIETARY INTERVENTION IN NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS

LOMASKY, S., D’Eramo, G., SHAMOON, H., & FLEISCHER, N. (1990). Archives of Internal Medicine, 150(1), 169-172.

Delivery of diabetes care to low income patients: Assessment of federally funded program

Wylie-Rosett, J., Engel, S., Eramo, G., & Mazze, R. (1989). Diabetes Educator, 15(4), 366-369.

Patient Perceptions of Diabetes Treatment Goals

D’Eramo-Melkus, G. A., & Demas, P. (1989). The Diabetes Educator, 15(5), 440-443. 10.1177/014572178901500514
Abstract
Abstract
The current treatment of type II noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and obesity involves complex regimens for weight reduction and improvement in metabolic control that necessitate active partici pation by the patient in estab lishing treatment goals and strategies. However, well-documented rates of nonad herence suggest that weaknesses may exist in patient-provider communications that preclude such patient participation. This study examines patient percep tions of diabetes treatment goals as established with their health care providers. Fifty-four individuals with type II NIDDM and obesity were surveyed. To determine the degree of congruence between patient and health care provider, the physi cians of study participants were also surveyed. A 53 % discrepancy rate was found to exist in the area of overall treatment goals. In addition, a 57% and 43 % rate of discrepancy was found for the specific goals of weight loss and blood glucose levels, respectively. Further findings and the implica tions for practice are discussed in this paper.

Health beliefs and practices of foot care among adult diabetic individuals

D’Eramo, G., & Fain, J. (1988). Practical Diabetology, 7(6), 1-3.