Investigating how to predict and prevent type 2 diabetes in young people.
Official title: Understanding, Predicting and Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Youth, Boston Clinical Center (UPP Study)
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11053542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for kids and teens aged 7-15 who are a bit overweight or have a family history of diabetes to help us understand what might lead to type 2 diabetes, so we can find ways to keep them healthy and prevent the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $994,789 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK134996-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 7-15 who are overweight and have pre-diabetes or a family history of diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the specified age range or do not have pre-diabetes or related risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the factors that lead to type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents, particularly those who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes. The study will recruit youth aged 7-15 with pre-diabetes and elevated body mass index (BMI) to explore how metabolic and hormonal factors contribute to the progression of T2D. Participants will undergo annual clinical assessments and remote monitoring to gather data on their glucose levels and overall health. The goal is to identify which young individuals are at higher risk of developing T2D and how to intervene effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prediction and prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes in youth, potentially reducing the incidence of this condition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding diabetes risk factors in youth, but this study aims to provide a more comprehensive approach by combining clinical and remote assessments.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Isganaitis, Elvira Marie — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Isganaitis, Elvira Marie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
A peer-led self-management program for adults with type 2 diabetes is being tested to see if it improves blood sugar control and daily diabetes care.
-
Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why some older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes develop memory problems or dementia.
-
Personalized use of newer diabetes medicines for Type 2 diabetes
Aiming to tailor use of newer glucose-lowering drugs for people with type 2 diabetes to improve health and access in real-world settings.
-
Alzheimer’s and related dementia in older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why cognitive problems occur in people 65 and older who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, using data from a long-running diabetes study to identify what drives memory and thinking decline.
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Understanding why youth develop type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it
A nationwide study aims to unravel why some teens with obesity develop type 2 diabetes while others don’t, and to identify factors that could help prevent it.
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.