Understanding How Drought Affects Heart and Diabetes Risk in Older Rural Communities
The Impact of Drought on Arsenic Exposure and Cardiometabolic Outcomes in a Rural Aging Population
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11096029
This project explores how droughts might lead to higher arsenic levels in drinking water and how that could affect heart health and diabetes risk for older adults in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11096029 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Droughts are a significant natural disaster, but their health effects on older people in the United States are not yet fully understood. This project aims to show how droughts might impact heart and metabolic health. When droughts occur, increased groundwater pumping can release arsenic from underground into drinking water sources. Researchers are using existing health data from the San Luis Valley Diabetes Study, combined with water and environmental information, to find connections between drought, arsenic exposure (measured through urine samples), and new cases of diabetes, heart disease, or even mortality. The goal is to better understand these links and develop models to predict arsenic levels based on water conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is relevant to older adults living in rural areas, particularly those in regions affected by drought and potential arsenic exposure in drinking water.
Not a fit: Patients not living in rural, drought-affected areas or those not at risk for arsenic exposure may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help communities understand and prepare for the health risks of drought-related arsenic exposure, potentially leading to better public health interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While the health effects of arsenic are known, the specific link between drought, arsenic exposure, and cardiometabolic outcomes in older U.S. rural populations is a relatively new area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JAMES, KATHERINE A — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: JAMES, KATHERINE A
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: Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes Mellitus