Understanding Youth Type 2 Diabetes: OU College of Medicine's New Study

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine is recruiting participants for a study aimed at understanding the factors behind Type 2 diabetes in youth. This research, funded by a $3.1 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), seeks to identify who is most at risk for developing the disease. The study, led by Jeanie Tryggestad, M.D., OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center researcher, OU Health pediatric endocrinologist and associate professor of pediatrics, is part of a nationwide effort to address the rising number of young people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Oklahoma is particularly burdened by Type 2 diabetes, making this study crucial for early intervention and improving overall health in the state. The research builds on a previous study showing that youth-onset Type 2 diabetes is more challenging to treat and progresses more aggressively than adult-onset diabetes. Youth with Type 2 diabetes often struggle to achieve good blood glucose control, and their pancreas’ ability to secrete insulin declines rapidly. This condition is associated with the earlier development of complications like damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

The study will involve 3,600 participants aged 9 to 14 who are at risk due to factors like being overweight or having high-normal blood sugar levels. Researchers will look at both biological and social factors, such as access to healthy food and safe places for physical activity, to understand what contributes to the disease.

The OU College of Medicine’s involvement in this study builds on its foundational role in previous research, which showed the high number of complications in youth with Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Tryggestad emphasizes the need for aggressive management of the disease in youth, as many fail therapy within the first few years after diagnosis.

The goal is to use this knowledge to prevent the disease and reduce its complications, which are more severe in youth than in adults.

Read more from the University of Oklahoma to learn about their participation in the study.

OU College of Medicine Launches Study to Tackle Type 2 Diabetes in Youth