Exploring the historical roots of diabetes and its social impacts
Official title: Sweet Blood: Diabetes and the Changing Nature of Modern Health
Funded at Bowdoin College · NIH-11004379 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how diabetes has become a major health issue in North America over the last 150 years, exploring how our connection to nature and social inequalities play a role, with the goal of helping improve public health efforts for people living with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bowdoin College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brunswick, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,957 |
| NIH project number | 5G13LM014433-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004379 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by diabetes or those at risk, particularly from marginalized communities impacted by social inequities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or are not at risk for the condition may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the historical development of diabetes as a global health crisis, particularly in North America, over the past 150 years. It examines how changing relationships with nature and social inequities contribute to the diabetes epidemic and related health issues. By integrating insights from environmental history, the history of medicine, and science and technology studies, the project aims to provide a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health. The findings could inform public health strategies and interventions aimed at addressing diabetes and its complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that address the root causes of diabetes and its associated health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: While this research approach is interdisciplinary and explores historical contexts, similar studies have shown success in understanding health disparities and their social determinants.
Where this research is happening
-
Bowdoin College
Brunswick, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klingle, Matthew William — Bowdoin College
- Study coordinator: Klingle, Matthew William
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.