Understanding Metabolic Health in Young People During Puberty
Metabolic Health during Puberty: the Healthy Start Study
This project follows children and their mothers over time to learn how metabolic health changes during puberty and why some young people develop type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121917 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in both adults and young people, often appearing during mid-puberty when the body naturally becomes more resistant to insulin. We don't fully understand why some young people develop this condition, especially since most current information comes from studies that only look at a single point in time. This long-term project extends an existing study, the Healthy Start Cohort, to track metabolic changes in children from a young age through puberty. By carefully observing these changes, we hope to discover how a child's earlier health affects their metabolism during puberty and identify factors that lead to type 2 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project involves continued follow-up of children and their mothers who are already part of the Healthy Start Cohort.
Not a fit: Individuals not currently enrolled in the Healthy Start Cohort would not directly participate in this specific follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better predict and prevent type 2 diabetes in young people, leading to healthier lives.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have provided some insights, this project offers a novel, comprehensive longitudinal approach to understand metabolic changes throughout the entire pubertal transition.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dabelea, Dana — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Dabelea, Dana
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.