Understanding how genetics and environment affect type 2 diabetes in people of African descent
Official title: Unravelling the Role of Epigenetics and Cytokines in Type 2 Diabetes among African-ancestry Populations
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11221677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different factors, like genetics and lifestyle choices, affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in people of African descent, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,915 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DK131018-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11221677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of African ancestry who are at risk for or currently living with type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients of non-African ancestry or those without risk factors for type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex factors contributing to type 2 diabetes (T2D) among African-ancestry populations, focusing on the roles of epigenetics and cytokines. It aims to understand how genetic variations and lifestyle factors, such as diet and alcohol consumption, interact to influence the risk of developing T2D. The study employs advanced methodologies, including causal inference and multi-omics analysis, to explore these relationships and identify potential biological mechanisms. By examining DNA methylation and circulating cytokine levels, the research seeks to uncover insights that could lead to targeted interventions for affected populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes specifically tailored for individuals of African descent.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic and environmental factors influencing type 2 diabetes in diverse populations, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meeks, Karlijn Anna Catharina — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Meeks, Karlijn Anna Catharina
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.
-
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.