How starch‑digesting enzymes may affect blood sugar and type 2 diabetes risk
Metabolic Pathways in Carbohydrate Digestion-Related Amylase Variation and Type 2 Diabetes
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA · NIH-11171688
This project looks at whether differences in the genes that control starch‑digesting enzymes and the amount and type of carbohydrates people eat affect blood sugar changes and the chance of developing type 2 diabetes in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171688 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would give a blood sample and answer diet and health questions as part of the Bogalusa Heart Study in Louisiana. Researchers will count copies of salivary and pancreatic amylase genes (AMY1 and AMY2) using a droplet digital PCR test and link those counts to your reported carbohydrate and starch intake. They will follow participants over time with blood glucose and other lab measures to see how gene differences and diet relate to changes in glucose control and new cases of high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes. The project uses data from about 1,250 adult participants and combines surveys, biological markers, and active follow‑up visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21 years and older) enrolled in the Bogalusa Heart Study or similar cohorts who can provide blood samples and dietary information are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without available follow‑up data, those outside the study area, or those whose health issues prevent blood draws may not benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help tailor dietary advice based on a person’s amylase gene profile to lower the risk of worsening blood sugar or developing type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested links between amylase gene copy number and metabolic traits, but results have been inconsistent, so this larger prospective approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES
- TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA — NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HEIANZA, YORIKO — TULANE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
- Study coordinator: HEIANZA, YORIKO
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 below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus