Understanding how environment and social experiences affect diabetes risk in Puerto Rican adults

Environmental and Social Exposure Factors, Epigenetics, and Metabolic Health in Puerto Rican Adults

['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11089541

This project looks at how where you live and your social experiences might change your body's chemistry, affecting your risk for Type 2 Diabetes, especially for adults of Puerto Rican heritage.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11089541 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Type 2 Diabetes is a growing health concern, particularly among adults of Puerto Rican heritage who experience higher rates. This project goes beyond typical risk factors like diet and exercise to explore how environmental and social conditions might play a role. Researchers will use information from two groups of Puerto Rican adults, one living in the Northeast U.S. and another on the island of Puerto Rico. The goal is to understand how these different environments influence biological changes, specifically in DNA, that could be linked to diabetes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research focuses on adults of Puerto Rican heritage who are participants in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS) or the Puerto Rico Observational Study of Psychosocial, Environmental, and Chronic Disease Trends (PROSPECT).

Not a fit: Patients not of Puerto Rican heritage or those not part of the existing cohorts may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand new ways to prevent or manage Type 2 Diabetes by addressing environmental and social factors that influence biological risk.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms linking environmental exposures to epigenetic changes in Type 2 Diabetes are still being clarified, previous studies have shown that lifestyle and environment can influence health outcomes.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.