Understanding how puberty affects kidneys in young people with diabetes
Puberty, diabetes, and the kidneys, when eustress becomes distress
This project explores how puberty might worsen kidney problems in young people who have type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163545 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Kidney disease is a serious concern for young people with type 2 diabetes, and puberty seems to make it worse, though we don't fully understand why. This project suggests that during puberty, kidneys in these young individuals might not get enough oxygen due to changes in metabolism, leading to damage. We plan to follow adolescents aged 8-14, including those with obesity and higher blood sugar, as well as healthy peers. Over two years, we will use advanced MRI scans and other precise tests to track kidney growth, oxygen levels, and function. Our goal is to uncover the specific ways puberty impacts kidney health in this group.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 8-14 with obesity and elevated blood sugar (HbA1c ≥6%), or healthy normal weight controls.
Not a fit: Patients outside the specified age range or those without obesity, type 2 diabetes, or elevated HbA1c may not directly benefit from participation in this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect kidney function in young people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
How similar studies have performed: While epidemiological data points to puberty's role, the specific mechanisms explored here are largely unknown, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bjornstad, Petter — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bjornstad, Petter
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.