Understanding how social factors affect diabetes risk in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities

Socioecological Determinants of Immunoepigenetic Signatures of Diabetes Risk in Indigenous Communities

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA · NIH-11083007

This study is looking at how things like community and income levels affect the risk of Type-2 diabetes in Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and it wants to see how these social factors might change our genes in ways that could lead to diabetes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HONOLULU, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11083007 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationship between social environments and biological mechanisms that contribute to the higher rates of Type-2 diabetes among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. It focuses on how factors like socioeconomic status and community conditions may influence gene pathways related to diabetes risk. By examining epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation in response to these social determinants, the study aims to uncover the underlying causes of diabetes disparities in these populations. Participants may undergo assessments that explore both their social environments and biological responses to better understand these interactions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders aged 21 and older who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce diabetes risk and improve health outcomes for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that social determinants significantly impact health outcomes, but this specific approach focusing on epigenetic mechanisms in this population is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

HONOLULU, 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, 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.