Understanding what triggers type 2 diabetes in children
Official title: What Activates Type 2 diabetes in Children (WATCH)
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11045755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how type 2 diabetes affects kids and teens differently than adults, and it aims to find better ways to diagnose and treat young people with this condition to help them live healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $566,914 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK134958-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents aged 0-21 who are at risk for or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults over the age of 21 or those with type 1 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique characteristics and triggers of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, focusing on how their condition differs from adults. It aims to identify the best diagnostic and screening criteria for youth, as well as the underlying biological mechanisms that lead to the disease. By analyzing treatment responses and the rapid progression of diabetes in young patients, the study seeks to develop innovative approaches to improve care and outcomes for affected youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for children with type 2 diabetes, ultimately improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown significant differences in treatment responses between youth and adults with type 2 diabetes, indicating that this research is building on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nadeau, Kristen Jane — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Nadeau, Kristen Jane
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.