What triggers type 2 diabetes during childhood
What Activates Type 2 diabetes in Children (WATCH)
This project looks at how puberty, weight, behavior, and social factors lead some kids and teens to develop type 2 diabetes so we can catch and help those at risk.
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 ID | NIH-11286622 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will follow children and adolescents through puberty to track blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, and how well the pancreas makes insulin. They will collect medical tests, growth and metabolic measurements, and information about diet, activity, mental health, and social context over time. The team will compare kids who keep normal blood sugar to those who progress to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to find patterns and possible causes. Findings will be used to guide future ways to prevent and treat youth-onset type 2 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and teens (especially those who are overweight or obese, entering puberty, have prediabetes, or have a strong family history of type 2 diabetes) who can attend clinic visits and follow-up.
Not a fit: People with long-standing, well-controlled adult-onset type 2 diabetes or children with no risk factors for diabetes are unlikely to get direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors spot which children are most likely to develop type 2 diabetes and lead to earlier, more targeted prevention and treatment for youth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown puberty often raises insulin resistance, but this comprehensive, long-term profiling to pinpoint who progresses to youth-onset type 2 diabetes is newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nadeau, Kristen Jane — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Nadeau, Kristen Jane
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.