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Diabetes and Obesity Research
OHRI scientists are conducting leading-edge research into the "twin epidemics" of diabetes and obesity. Current investigations range from identifying the foods that may trigger the adverse immune reaction that precipitates type 1 diabetes to studies of obesity as a causative factor in diabetes. OHRI scientists achieved a breakthrough discovery by identifying the first candidate wheat protein linked to damage of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas - work that may one day lead to novel ways to delay or prevent this immune-mediated form of diabetes children and young adults.
Diabetes research spans three of the OHRI's six research programs (Chronic Disease; Clinical Epidemiology; Regenerative Medicine) and plans are underway to establish a cross-program Centre dedicated to diabetes research, furthering the Institute's commitment to finding ways to help people with diabetes living longer, and healthier lives.
Current diabetes and obesity research is focused on investigating the mechanisms that inhibit insulin's normal function in obesity and diabetes; the hormonal regulation of fat cell deposition and the control of glycogen metabolism; the molecular mechanisms in normal and abnormal development of fat; evaluating the benefit of different types of exercise in the control of type 2 diabetes; the role of obesity in producing a state of insulin resistance; how fat influences the ability of the liver to break down glucose; the study of dietary factors or drugs that may prevent pre-fat cells (called preadipocytes) from developing into mature fat cells and the brain's influence on glucose production. OHRI researchers are also investigating dietary causes and prevention of type 1 diabetes, one of the most serious chronic diseases affecting young children and adolescents.
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