The Management Of Women With Type 1 Diabetes During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,741.00
Summary
Pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes is associated with increased risks to the mother and baby and lower rates of breastfeeding. There is a relative paucity of published studies concerning the management of these women particularly in late pregnancy, immediately after delivery and during breastfeeding. Through a series of studies this project aims to address these areas of uncertainty and thereby improve the management of these women during these periods.
The effects of therapeutic glucocorticoid doses on carbohydrate and energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk have not been fully clarified. This PhD thesis will be based around two studies aiming to: 1.) Define mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of low dose prednisolone in patients with inflammatory rheumatologic disease and 2.) Improve treatment of prednisolone-induced hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients.
This fellowship will support a clinical researcher whose focus is improving metabolic and reproductive health by manipulating hormones and improving sleep. This will be achieved from a platform of NHMRC project grants and a NHMRC CCRE in interdisciplinary sleep health.
Regulation Of Hypothalamic Insulin & Leptin Signalling By TCPTP
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$758,504.00
Summary
Insulin & leptin signal in the brain to lower blood glucose, suppress food intake, increase activity & increase energy expenditure. Obesity diminishes the abilities of insulin & leptin to signal. This proposal will determine if the enzyme TCPTP terminates insulin & leptin signaling in the brain. Our studies will provide insight into the molecular causes of obesity & may identify a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity & type 2 diabetes.
Regulation Of Insulin Signalling & Glucose Homeostasis By Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,776.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions afflicting roughly 6% of the adult population in Western society. Although the underlying genetic causes and the associated pathological symptoms are heterogenous, a common feature is high blood glucose due to peripheral insulin resistance. The molecular basis of insulin resistance is believed to be attributable to defects in insulin receptor (IR) signalling. The IR is a protein tyrosine kinase that phosphorylates itself and downstream substrates ....Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions afflicting roughly 6% of the adult population in Western society. Although the underlying genetic causes and the associated pathological symptoms are heterogenous, a common feature is high blood glucose due to peripheral insulin resistance. The molecular basis of insulin resistance is believed to be attributable to defects in insulin receptor (IR) signalling. The IR is a protein tyrosine kinase that phosphorylates itself and downstream substrates on tyrosine in response to insulin. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) that dephosphorylate the IR and its substrates might be important targets for therapeutic intervention in type 2 diabetes; inhibition of specific PTPs may allow for enhanced insulin-induced signalling to alleviate insulin resistance. This proposal will examine the roles of PTPs and in particular TCPTP in IR signalling in vivo. Our studies will shed light on the molecular mechanisms of IR regulation and function and may provide important insights into novel strategies for enhancing insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Hyper-sensitivity Of The Circadian System To Light In Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,858.00
Summary
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by a difficulty in initiating sleep at night and difficulty in waking at times required for work or school. It is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced academic and work performance, increased anxiety and depression and reduced quality of life. This study examines increased sensitivity of the brain's 24-hour biological clock to light as a cause of the abnormal timing of sleep in DSPD.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in increasing worldwide, the International Diabetes Federation predicting 435 million will have diabetes in 2030. The major driver of the diabetes epidemic is obesity. There is strong evidence linking type 2 diabetes and obesity to an increased risk of cancer. However, the exact mechanism promoting cancer development in obese and diabetic individuals is not clear. This project will examine the effects of high insulin levels on cancer development and progression.
Can Vitamin D Prevent Diabetes By Improving Insulin Sensitivity And Secreation In Overweight Humans?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,371.00
Summary
Vitamin D is mainly produced by the action of sunlight on skin. Low levels of vitamin D are becoming more common, as we work more indoors and avoid the sun and have been associated with type 2 diabetes. In proposed study, healthy overweight people, with low vitamin D, will be given vitamin D for 16 weeks to optimise blood levels of this vitamin. We will examine the changes in sugar metabolism. This study should provide important evidence on how vitamin D protects against diabetes and will suppor ....Vitamin D is mainly produced by the action of sunlight on skin. Low levels of vitamin D are becoming more common, as we work more indoors and avoid the sun and have been associated with type 2 diabetes. In proposed study, healthy overweight people, with low vitamin D, will be given vitamin D for 16 weeks to optimise blood levels of this vitamin. We will examine the changes in sugar metabolism. This study should provide important evidence on how vitamin D protects against diabetes and will support novel approaches to diabetes prevention.Read moreRead less