Understanding why Type 2 diabetes differs in South Asian adults
Molecular Prediction, Disease Progression, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Phenotypes in South Asians
This project looks at genes and blood molecules to help predict how Type 2 diabetes starts and progresses in South Asian adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11481325 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are an adult of South Asian ancestry, this project uses blood samples, genetic data, and long-term health records from about 20,000 people followed for over 13 years. Researchers will search for genetic and metabolite patterns that link to different forms of Type 2 diabetes and to who moves from prediabetes to diabetes. They will combine lab-based molecular data with clinical records to build signatures that predict disease progression and risks of complications. The goal is to use those signatures to guide more tailored prevention and treatment for South Asian patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults of South Asian ancestry, including those with prediabetes or early Type 2 diabetes and those willing to provide samples or share medical records, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without South Asian ancestry and those with type 1 diabetes are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: The work could help doctors better predict which South Asian patients are most likely to develop or worsen in Type 2 diabetes and support more personalized prevention and care.
How similar studies have performed: Related genetic and metabolomic approaches have identified diabetes subtypes in European groups, but applying these methods to South Asians is relatively new and less established.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narayan, Kabayam M Venkat — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Narayan, Kabayam M Venkat
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.