Investigating Type 2 Diabetes in Navajo Youth
Official title: Understanding the Pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes in Navajo Youth
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11051245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Type 2 diabetes starts in Navajo kids, especially during puberty, to find out what causes it and how we can help prevent it in young people who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $693,197 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK134981-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Navajo youth under 21 years old who are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the Navajo community or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Type 2 diabetes develops in Navajo youth, particularly during puberty when significant changes in insulin sensitivity occur. The study aims to identify the biological markers and patterns that lead to youth-onset diabetes, which is becoming increasingly common among American Indian populations. By examining these factors over time, the research seeks to uncover critical insights that could inform targeted prevention strategies for at-risk youth. Participants may undergo assessments related to their body mass index, insulin levels, and other health metrics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for Type 2 diabetes in young people, particularly in the Navajo community.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the biological mechanisms of diabetes in youth can lead to effective prevention strategies, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dabelea, Dana — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Dabelea, Dana
Related research
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-
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-
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-
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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.