Newswise — A new grant received by the American Diabetes Association will study how hormones in the gut could one day prevent or treat type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The American Diabetes Association-Novo Nordisk Clinical/Translational Research Award will provide $1.2 million to support researchers studying the effects of intestinal hormones on obesity and pre-diabetes, two risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The researchers will study the role of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and other incretin hormones in people at risk for or with diabetes. GLP-1 is a hormone secreted in the intestine during digestion that decreases blood glucose levels.
The two grants, totaling $600,000 per grant, will fund investigation in two key areas:1. Preventing or treating obesity, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The research will help to better understand the role of incretins, including GLP-1, in the progression of obesity, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The findings could provide more insight into what biomarkers might be used to allow earlier intervention to prevent and/or treat obesity and/or pre-diabetes before type 2 diabetes develops.
2. Regulating weight, satiety and cardiovascular risk factors. The investigation will look beyond the direct effects of incretins, including GLP-1, and into areas such as weight control, satiety and the effects on cardiovascular risk factors such as triglycerides and blood pressure.
"Studying the role of GLP-1 and other incretin hormones in people with type 2 diabetes and those at risk holds much promise," commented Scott Campbell, PhD, American Diabetes Association Vice President of Research Programs.
"Emerging science shows us that GLP-1 treatments can positively affect glucose metabolism and may increase beta cell mass, two important elements that could some day lead to a cure for type 2 diabetes."
"Novo Nordisk's highest priority has always been the health and well being of people living with diabetes, and we strive to do everything we can to conduct and support research that will lead to the discovery of new, innovative treatments for people affected," says Nathaniel G. Clark, MD, MS, RD, Novo Nordisk's Senior Medical Advisor - Diabetes. "This is why, as part of our Changing Diabetes Leadership Initiative, we are truly pleased to support the American Diabetes Association in supporting studies investigating the full potential of this medication class in both those with and at risk for type 2 diabetes."
Find out more about American Diabetes Association-funded research projects at http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-research/research-home.jsp. The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation, founded in 1994, was created to raise major contributions to fund diabetes research conducted through a nationwide research program. Today, one hundred percent of all Research Foundation contributions go directly to support the business of diabetes science. In FY08, the American Diabetes Association Research Foundation invested approximately $42.5 million in diabetes research, funding 442 researchers nationwide at over 172 leading research institutions in the country. Association has invested more than $500 million and provided funding for more than 4,000 research projects.
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
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