Why some kids develop type 2 diabetes during puberty and how to prevent it
Understanding and Targeting the Pathophysiology of Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes-Texas Children's Center.
['FUNDING_U01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11286792
This work looks at changes during puberty that put children and teens with obesity or prediabetes at higher risk for type 2 diabetes so better prevention and treatment ideas can be found.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11286792 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will follow children and adolescents over time to map how blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, and beta‑cell function change through puberty. The project will combine medical tests, growth and body‑weight measurements, and information about behavior, mental health, and social context to find patterns linked to developing type 2 diabetes. The team will compare boys and girls and youth from different communities and risk backgrounds to see who is most likely to progress from normal blood sugar or prediabetes to youth‑onset type 2 diabetes. Results will be used to identify modifiable risk factors and time windows where prevention or early treatment might work best.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and teenagers, especially those entering or going through puberty who are overweight/obese or have prediabetes (roughly ages 9–19), are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Infants, adults outside the target age range, or youth with long‑standing, advanced type 2 diabetes are unlikely to get direct benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help spot children at highest risk earlier and guide more effective prevention or personalized treatments to keep blood sugar normal.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cohort studies have given important clues about youth type 2 diabetes but gaps remain, so this larger, focused longitudinal approach builds on past work and addresses unanswered questions.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BACHA, FIDA — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: BACHA, FIDA
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus