The Role Of Insulin Hypersecretion In Beta Cell Dysfunction In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,622.00
Summary
The treatment of diabetes involves the use of drugs that stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas to reduce the high blood sugar levels. However, we believe that while in the short term this is a good strategy, in the long-term it damages the cells that produce insulin leading to a worsening state of diabetes. It is the aim of this application to understand the mechanisms by which the insulin producing cells are damaged when forced to oversecrete insulin.
Defining Vascular Health And Modifiable Risk Factors Over Time In Childhood.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,061.00
Summary
Adult heart disease and strokes have their origin in childhood. We will follow healthy children and children with diabetes or obesity over 2 years during puberty when blood vessel disease is detectable. We will define which are the most sensitive markers of blood vessel disease and the continuum of risk factors. This is essential knowledge to best define children at risk and to test clinical and public health interventions.
Reproduction is controlled by the brain through the hormone gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Leptin from fat acts on the brain to 'inform' GnRH cells of metabolic state; low levels signal lack of energy stores and suppress reproduction. Leptin treatment of lean individuals restores reproductive function, but the mechanism is not clear. Our data implicate the melanocortins as a means of transmitting information on metabolic state to GnRH cells and the project investigates this pathway.