A Longitudinal Study Of Nerve Morphology In Diabetic Neuropathy Using Novel Non-invasive Ophthalmic Surrogate Markers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,372.00
Summary
This research project will use two new ophthalmic instruments - the corneal confocal microscope and non-contact corneal aesthesiometer - to directly monitor changes in corneal nerves and corneal sensitivity, over a 5 year period, in diabetic patients suffering from a painful condition of the arms and legs known as diabetic neuropathy. This study will generate important new information that could allow diabetic doctors to more accurately monitor the progression of the disease.
Analysis Of Effect Of Different Treatment Targets On Maternal And Child Health Outcomes In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Review Of Specific Treatments And Development Of Clinical And Biochemical Predictors.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,686.00
Summary
This research aims to analyse newly proposed treatment targets for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and the effect this will have on maternal and child health outcomes, via comparison of data from two large Australian health services using the traditional and newly proposed critiera. The research will also investigate current effective interventions for GDM, including the impact of early antenatal lifestyle interventions, and formulation of a clinical and biochemical risk prediction model.
The Role Of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1a In Beta-Cell Function And Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,303.00
Summary
HIF1a is a gene which our preliminary data shows is needed for normal beta-cell function and insulin secretion. When beta-cells cannot release enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise, and diabetes develops. This research plan will look at the effects of deletion of HIF1a and of increasing HIF1a to see how this affects function of beta-cells and - or diabetes development. This work may show that HIF1a is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes in humans.
Childhood diabetes [both type 1- and young type 2-] is increasing alarmingly. Diabetes prevention will be a great benefit via both a healthier population and relief to the national health budget. To develop targeted preventive treatments we first need to identify genetic risk factors, requiring access to a large number of samples. We will establish a national Repository which will make DNA available to all qualified Australian researchers enhancing their ability to identify causes of diabetes.
Pancreatic Islet Inflammation And Its Role In Diabetes And Islet Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Diabetes is a major health epidemic & diabetic complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our community. My studies have increased our understanding of how inflammation contributes to diabetes but also directly led to the discovery of novel therapies that are been trialed in patients with type 1 diabetes undergoing islet cell transplants. My studies have increased our knowledge of the factors that lead to type 1 diabetes and the development of new treatments.
Aldosterone Inhibition And Diabetic Retinopathy: Treatments And Mechanisms Of Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,294.00
Summary
The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030, more than 360 million people will have diabetes. Despite almost all patients developing retinopathy, current treatments do not prevent disease progression. One strategy being evaluated is blockade of a hormone called angiotensin II. We have new evidence that a related system called aldosterone exists in retina and contributes to damage. This project will determine if aldosterone blockade is a potential treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
Mediation Pathways For The Receptor For Advanced Glycation End Products In Diabetic Nephropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,812.00
Summary
Excess sugar in the blood from diabetes is detrimental and can accelerate a process where sugar attaches itself to proteins, fats and DNA. Although facilitated by high sugar, the reaction occurs happily in the presence of low sugar with high levels of free oxygen radicals. These complexes are called advanced glycation end products or AGEs. In addition, we ingest vast volumes of AGES from our diet which are taken into the blood. These AGEs are known to be involved in the development of kidney dis ....Excess sugar in the blood from diabetes is detrimental and can accelerate a process where sugar attaches itself to proteins, fats and DNA. Although facilitated by high sugar, the reaction occurs happily in the presence of low sugar with high levels of free oxygen radicals. These complexes are called advanced glycation end products or AGEs. In addition, we ingest vast volumes of AGES from our diet which are taken into the blood. These AGEs are known to be involved in the development of kidney disease in diabetic subjects. AGEs exert most of their effects on the body by binding to specific proteins, the most common and nasty of which is the receptor for advanced glycation end products, RAGE. RAGE is a known participant in other serious diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and evidence is mounting for its central role in the development of kidney disease in diabetic subjects. There is not much known about the processes which mediate RAGE which is why this is the aim of this proposal. This will enable us to stop the relentless progression of kidney disease in diabetes.Read moreRead less
Diabetes & Antenatal Milk Expressing (DAME): A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,321.00
Summary
Infants of women with diabetes in pregnancy have an increased risk of low blood sugar and other complications after birth and of developing diabetes and being obese later in life. Many maternity providers encourage these women to express breast milk before birth to have it available if the infant needs supplementary feeding. Evidence for this practice is lacking so we are planning the first study exploring the safety and effectiveness of antenatal expression of breast milk in late pregnancy for ....Infants of women with diabetes in pregnancy have an increased risk of low blood sugar and other complications after birth and of developing diabetes and being obese later in life. Many maternity providers encourage these women to express breast milk before birth to have it available if the infant needs supplementary feeding. Evidence for this practice is lacking so we are planning the first study exploring the safety and effectiveness of antenatal expression of breast milk in late pregnancy for women with diabetes in pregnancy.Read moreRead less