Stress Hyperglycaemia And Mortality In Critical Illness: Defining The Association And Underlying Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,526.00
Summary
The relationship between high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) and mortality in critically ill patients remains an area of controversy with conflicting results between studies. This PhD thesis will attempt to resolve this by firstly evaluating whether relative hyperglycaemia as measured using a novel new measure better predicts mortality outcome in such patients; and secondly, attempt to establish possible mechanisms which contributes to this.
Does Loss Of Melanocortin Glucose Sensing Contribute To Obesity Induced Diabetes?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,531.00
Summary
Diabetes is a failure to properly regulate blood glucose levels. Escalating rates of diabetes are a major health problem. Melanocortin neurons in the brain detect blood sugar levels and usually regulate glucose production and utilization, but in obese animals they do not. We have developed a possible therapeutic, which appears to reverse the glucose insensitivity, and rapidly reduces blood glucose in diabetic mice. This project will determine how melanocortins act to regulate glucose levels
The Role Of The Osteoblast In Mediating Glucocorticoid-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$825,254.00
Summary
Glucocorticoids (GC) exceed most other drugs in terms of numbers of patients treated and indications. Preventing or attenuating the deleterious effects of GC on fuel metabolism is therefore of great clinical significance. Our studies will create new knowledge regarding the mechanisms of GC-induced diabetes and osteoporosis, and will contribute to the development of new approaches that are essential to tackle the pressing medical problem of GC-induced disease.