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My research is directed to the prevention of diabetes, across the spectrum from type 1 to type 2 diabetes. It is based on understanding immune-inflammatory mechanisms that contribute to dysfunction and death of pancreatic insulin-secreting beta cells and tissue resistance to the action of insulin. I study these mechanisms in rodent models and in humans in the context of relevant environmental factors and genes, with the aim of manipulating them for therapeutic benefit.
Epidemiological Investigation Of The Role Of Early Life Environment In The Development Of Immune Function And Allergic And Autoimmune Disease: Knowledge Generation For Future Primary Prevention.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$664,584.00
Summary
Immune diseases, which include allergic and autoimmune diseases, are accounting for an increasing fraction of the disease burden in Australia. It is now increasingly recognised that early life changes to the immune system by environmental factors can impact on the risk of these diseases. The goal of this fellowship is the prevention of allergic and autoimmune disease.
The Population-health Science Of Sedentary Behaviour: An Integrated Approach To Understanding Environments, Prolonged Sitting And Adverse Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,009,478.00
Summary
Australians are ‘sitters’ -- at home, at work and in the car. Most do not do exercise, nor participate in sports. This leads to weight gain and risk of disease: notably type 2 diabetes, heart disease, breast and colon cancer. Professor Owen will identify why prolonged sitting can be so unhealthy; how our neighbourhoods, homes, work and cars make us sit too much; why some people are more susceptible to ‘couch potato’ lifestyles; and, the associated social and environmental impacts
My research is directed to the prevention of type 1 diabetes, based on understanding immune-inflammatory mechanisms that contribute to dysfunction of insulin-secreting beta cells and tissue resistance to the action of insulin. I study these mechanisms in rodent models and in humans with the aim of manipulating them for therapeutic benefit. I am particularly interested in understanding environment-gene interactions mediated by epigenetic modifications.
Economic Evaluation Of Policies To Manage And Prevent Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,517.00
Summary
This Research Fellowship will use health economics to deliver health system impact. It will focus on: (i) mechanisms for setting prices for generic pharmaceuticals in Australia; (ii) exploring the implications for optimal prescribing from reductions in prices of pharmaceuticals to prevent cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases; (iii) developing health economic computer simulation models to guide the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Identifying Novel Targets To Treat And Prevent Diabetic Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,209.00
Summary
Diabetes is the leading cause for kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation. Diabetic patients also have a higher risk to suffer from heart attacks, stroke and amputations in particular once kidney damage occurs. Current strategies fail to completely protect patients from complications. My research will uncover knowledge gaps in our understanding of diabetes complications, identify new targets ultimately leading to urgently needed more effective treatments and prevention strategies to ....Diabetes is the leading cause for kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation. Diabetic patients also have a higher risk to suffer from heart attacks, stroke and amputations in particular once kidney damage occurs. Current strategies fail to completely protect patients from complications. My research will uncover knowledge gaps in our understanding of diabetes complications, identify new targets ultimately leading to urgently needed more effective treatments and prevention strategies to reduce the burden of disease in diabetes.Read moreRead less
I am a cardiologist with a research focus on discovering and evaluating new treatments and novel clinical strategies for implementing evidence-based cardiovascular disease prevention into routine clinical practice.
Although the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases have been known for decades, and modern-day treatment is much advanced, the importance of these diseases persists, such that they remain the number one killer in Australia. This suggests that more can be done to correctly identify those at high and moderate risk of future disease, so as to optimize advice and medical treatment. This project will use the best evidence available to develop new methods of risk prediction and prevention.
Too Much Sitting And Too Little Exercise: Addressing Chronic Disease In Ageing Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
Better approaches to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and breast and colon cancer are needed for middle-aged and older Australians. It is well-known that their health can be improved by regular exercising, but this has so far proven to be difficult for the majority. Through researching an ‘activity spectrum’ approach involving less sitting and more-varied real-life activities, Professor Owen and his team will identify practical new ways to prevent and manage the burden of these chronic diseases.
The proposed program of research consists of (i) conducting a new trial to examine feasible and relatively low-cost physical activity promotion programs for adults with pre-diabetes; (ii) completing a series of existing major-funded studies relating to health promotion and education programs to promote physical activity; and (iii) I will serve as the Director for the University of Newcastle’s recently-funded Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition.