Understanding how puberty affects the development of type 2 diabetes in youth
Official title: Illuminating the path(ophysiology) to development of youth-onset type 2 diabetes (PATH-NC)
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11042268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why more young people, especially from marginalized backgrounds, are developing type 2 diabetes as they go through puberty, and it aims to find out what specific health changes might lead to this so we can help prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | February 22, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $665,975 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK134967-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20, particularly those from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds who may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the adolescent age range or do not have risk factors for type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors contributing to the rising rates of youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly among marginalized racial and ethnic groups. It aims to identify specific physiological markers and risk factors during puberty that may lead to the development of T2D in adolescents. By conducting a longitudinal cohort study, researchers will closely monitor participants as they progress through puberty, assessing changes in insulin sensitivity and other health indicators. The goal is to better understand the unique challenges faced by youth at risk for T2D and to inform prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for youth at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding diabetes risk factors in youth, but this specific approach focusing on puberty is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jensen, Elizabeth T — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Jensen, Elizabeth T
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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.