Understanding why minority youth are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes

Predictors of Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: UAB Clinical Center

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11051270

This study is looking at why African-American and Hispanic-American kids are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, focusing on how their genes and diet might play a role, and it will follow 100 young people aged 8 to 16 over five years to help find ways to prevent this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051270 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind the increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in minority youth, particularly focusing on African-American and Hispanic-American children. It aims to explore how genetic factors interact with environmental influences, such as diet, to elevate the risk of developing T2D. The study will recruit 100 at-risk youth aged 8-16 years who do not have T2D at the start and will follow them for five years to assess their insulin sensitivity, body composition, and other health metrics. By identifying predictors of T2D, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to targeted prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African-American and Hispanic-American youth aged 8-16 years who are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of the minority youth demographic or those who already have type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes in minority youth, potentially reducing the incidence of this condition.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying risk factors for type 2 diabetes in minority populations, making this approach both relevant and promising.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.