Gerald Reaven, scientist and endocrinologist who coined ‘Syndrome X,’ dies at 89

Gerald "Jerry" Reaven, MD, Stanford scientist, endocrinologist, and professor of medicine emeritus, has passed away at the age of 89. Reaven was one of the first researchers to declare the existence of insulin resistance, a controversial stance that was met with considerable opposition from the medical establishment. But Reaven stood his ground, and was proven correct.

“Jerry Reaven was a true Stanford pioneer,” said Lloyd Minor, MD, dean of the School of Medicine. “He was the consummate scientist whose rigorous scholarship was a model for researchers at Stanford and around the world. He will be missed.”

Reaven won numerous awards throughout his career, garnering an international reptuation for his introduction of "the novel idea of a link between insulin resistance and a cluster of other metabolic abnormalities that together greatly increased the risk for cardiovascular disease, which he called Syndrome X." He's also remembered fondly as "an amazing thinker" and a huge Cleveland Indians fan.

More details about his extraordinary life and career are available here.