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Obesity - Previously Funded

Dr. Gillian Booth (Operating Grant funded 2009-2010)

Saint Michael's Hospital (Toronto, ON)

Title: Neighbourhood opportunities for healthy living: Implications for diabetes prevention

Dr. Gillian Booth was studying how neighborhoods (e.g., suburban versus urban areas) and other environmental factors (e.g., access to healthy foods) may contribute to the obesity epidemic and the risk of diabetes. Dr. Booth's research advanced our understanding of the role that neighbourhoods play in shaping our risk of diabetes.

 

Dr. Susanne M. Clee (Operating Grant funded 2008-2010)

University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)

Title: Diabetes and obesity susceptibility of wild-derived inbred mouse strains

Dr. Suzanne M. Clee was studying three new types of laboratory mice in hopes of learning more about obesity and diabetes risk. These new types of mice each had different risks for diabetes and obesity. Dr. Clee was using these mice to learn more about what causes obesity and type 2 diabetes and how to treat them.

 

Ms. Carrie J. Dillman (Doctoral Student Research Award funded 2011-2012)

McMaster University (Hamilton, ON)

Supervisor: Timmons, Brian W, Dr.

Title: Health outcomes and physical activity in preschoolers: The HOPP Study

Nearly one in four Canadian children 2-5 years of age is obese and these rates continue to rise. We know that obese preschoolers are more likely to have low levels of physical activity than their normal weight peers. Ms. Carrie J. Dillman is hoping to measure the prevalence and patterns of physical activity during the preschool years and key health-related outcomes, such as obesity. Obese preschoolers are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, therefore, this research is important for the development of effective physical activity promotion for preschoolers.

 

Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy (Operating Grant funded 2009-2011)

University of Toronto (Toronto, ON)

Title: Genetic determinants of sugar consumption in a multiethnic population

Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy is studying whether certain genes influence habitual sugar consumption. Dr. El-Sohemy's research may lead to the development of strategies to lower sugar consumption in at-risk populations, and may clarify the role of sugar in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Sarah L. Gray (Operating Grant funded 2008-2011; Scholar Award funded 2008-2012)

University of Northern British Columbia (Prince George, BC)

Title: PPARs in pancreatic beta-cell lipotoxicity and type 2 diabetes

Dr. Sarah L. Gray is studying how harmful storage of too much fat may lead to the failure of insulin-producing beta cells in type 2 diabetes. Substances called PPARs control how fats are broken down. Dr. Gray's research is exploring whether increasing the activity of PPARs in beta cells can improve beta cell function and slow or prevent type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Anthony J. G. Hanley (Operating Grant funded 2008-2011)

University of Toronto (Toronto, ON)

Title: Progression of core and emerging components of the metabolic syndrome: a longitudinal study

Dr. Anthony J.G. Hanley is studying the risk for developing complications such as kidney and liver failure, and nerve damage in people who have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome occurs when risk factors for both type 2 diabetes and heart disease appear together. If we can better understand how these complications develop, we can find better ways of preventing type 2 diabetes

 

Mr. Frank K. Huynh (Doctoral Student Research Award funded 2011-2012)

University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)

Supervisor: Kieffer, Timothy J, Dr.

Title: Regulation of lipid metabolism by hepatic leptin signalling

Although one of the most prevalent risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity, a clear link between diabetes and obesity has still not been shown. Mr. Frank K. Huynh believes that the fat-derived hormone leptin, which is overproduced in obesity, may link type 2 diabetes and obesity. In this study, Mr. Huynh is trying to determine whether leptin action on the liver can also affect lipid metabolism, which is greatly dysregulated in type 2 diabetics. This research could help in the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Alexandra Jenkins (Operating Grant funded 2009-2010)

Saint Michael's Hospital (Toronto, ON)

Title: Efficacy and safety of whole grain (saliva hispanica L.) on weight-loss/maintenance in overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes

Dr. Alexandra Jenkins was researching the effects of whole grain on weight loss in overweight people with type 2 diabetes. Preliminary clinical data showed that the whole grain may improve type 2 diabetes control, reduce after-meal blood glucose levels, and suppress appetite. Dr. Jenkins' work could have potential implications in long-term weight management while improving diabetes.

 

Pauline Johnson (Innovation Grant funded 2008-2009)

University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)

Title: Inflammation in obesity and type 2 diabetes: A causal role?

Obesity puts people at risk for type 2 diabetes. The immune system may play a role in obesity, but we do not know to what degree. Dr. Johnson is looking to determine whether changes in the immune system can cause obesity and lead to type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Marie-France Langlois (Operating Grant funded 2008-2009)

University of Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, QC)

Title: Prevention of weight gain in young adults, a randomized-controlled trial in University students

Weight gain increases the risk of developing diabetes. People often gain weight in early adulthood and the first years of university. Dr. Langlois's aim is to prevent weight gain in first-year university students. She will offer workshops to help students choose a healthy lifestyle. Helping young adults prevent weight gain could lower rates of obesity and diabetes in the long term.

 

Dr. Louise Larose (Operating Grant funded 2007-2010)

McGill University (Montréal, QC)

Title: Role of Nck in type 2 diabetes

Dr. Louise Larose was studying the role of a substance called Nck in the development of insulin resistance in obese people. Dr. Larose's research could help lead to new ways of treating or preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Gary F. Lewis (Operating Grant funded 2007-2010)

University Health Network (Toronto, ON)

Title: Mechanism of fatty acid-induced impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion

Dr. Gary F. Lewis was studying how high fat levels damage the pancreas. High levels of fat in the blood are often seen in people who are obese and/or live with diabetes. Dr. Lewis wanted to examine how this damage happens and find ways of preventing it.

 

Dr. Peter E. Light (Operating Grant funded 2007-2010)

University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB)

Title: Beta cell Na+/Ca2+ exchange and the control of insulin secretion: Implications for beta cell function and type 2 diabetes

Dr. Peter E. Light was investigating how high levels of dietary fat may affect when and how much insulin is released. Dr. Light's research could help lead to a better understanding of how dietary fat causes the body to release less insulin. It could also help us discover which types of dietary fat lower insulin release the most.

 

Dr. Gary D. Lopaschuk (Operating Grant funded 2008-2011)

University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB)

Title: Hypothalamic arcuate malonyl CoA control of food intake and body energy balance

Dr. Gary D. Lopaschuk is studying how the brain controls the balance between energy intake (food) and energy output (physical activity). Obesity happens when there is an imbalance. Dr. Lopaschuk's research may lead to new ways of treating obesity and preventing type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. André Marette (Innovation Grant funded 2008-2009)

Universite Laval (Ste-Foy, QC)

Title: Role of omega-3 derived resolvins and protectins in the regulation of inflammation and insulin sensitivity.

In obesity, the body's cells become inflamed. This leads to insulin resistance, the body's inability to use insulin properly. This inflammation may happen because the body cannot send signals to "switch it off." Substances called resolvins and protectins may play a role in this process. Dr. Marette wants to learn more about how resolvins and protectins help make the body more sensitive to insulin. These studies may help us find new ways of treating insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Jonathan M. McGavock (Operating Grant funded 2008-2010)

University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB)

Title: Physical activity for overweight youth at risk for type 2 diabetes (POWER) trial

Dr. Jonathan M. McGavock was exploring how much exercise overweight teens need in order to lower their risk of type 2 diabetes. Dr. McGavock was trying to find out which is better: high-intensity exercise or low-intensity exercise. The results of this study could help us find out what type of exercise overweight teens need to lower their risk of type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Paul Poirier (Operating Grant funded 2007-2009)

Universite Laval (Quebec, QC)

Title: Impact of body weight loss and stabilization on cardiac structure and cardiac function in abdominally obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome – abdominal obesity, high blood glucose, high cholesterol and high blood pressure – puts people at risk for type 2 diabetes. It also affects the structure of the heart and how it works. Dr. Poirier's aim is to explore the effect of weight loss in high-risk obese men enrolled in a long-term diet and exercise program. The results of this study will help us develop guidelines for doctors for managing obese individuals who are at high risk for diabetes.

 

Dr. Marc Prentki (Operating Grant funded 2008-2011)

University of Montréal (Montréal, QC)

Title: Triglyceride/free fatty acid cycling and regulation of fuel-induced insulin secretion: Role of adipose triglyceride lipase

Dr. Marc Prentki is studying the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Prentki wants to better understand how our bodies produce and release insulin when we eat foods with carbohydrates and fat. This research may lead to new treatments for obesity-associated diabetes.

 

Dr. Ryan E. Rhodes (Operating Grant funded 2010-2011)

University of Victoria (Victoria, BC)

Title: Obesogenic behaviours of new parents: an 18-month trial

Regular physical activity and healthy eating are paramount to preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes. National studies suggest that adult weight gain is highest between the ages of 25 to 35 years. Dr. Ryan E. Rhodes is examining the physical activity and eating behaviours of first-time parents across the first 18 months of parenthood and is comparing this to the behaviours of non-parents. Dr. Rhodes hopes to identify if targeting first-time parents could help avoid the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Ryan E. Rhodes (Applied Research (Operating) Grant funded 2007-2010)

University of Victoria (Victoria, BC)

Title: Obesogenic behaviours of new parents: An 18-month longitudinal trial

Dr. Ryan E. Rhodes was studying the exercise, eating habits, and weight of men and women during their first 18 months of parenthood. Dr. Rhodes wanted to better understand how important life changes (such as parenthood) affect exercise, eating habits, and weight. This could help to determine the best times to teach people about preventing type 2 diabetes.

 

Dr. Gregory Steinberg (Operating Grant funded 2009-2010)

McMaster University (Hamilton, ON)

Title: Role of AMPK signaling in the regulation of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance

Dr. Gregory Steinberg was examining how metformin (a commonly used anti-diabetes medication) may help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is both a cause and a consequence of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, understanding how NAFLD develops, as well as identifying potential therapeutic treatments, could help lead to the development of novel therapies for this common condition.

 

Dr. André Tremblay (Operating Grant funded 2007-2010)

Centre hospitalier universitaire Ste-Justine (Montréal, QC)

Title: Role of scavenger receptor CD36 on PPARgamma and the regulation of lipid and energy metabolism in fat

Dr. André Tremblay was studying the role of a receptor called CD36 and its effects on the storage and insulin sensitivity of fat cells. Dr. Tremblay's research could help us better understand how CD36 is involved in obesity and diabetes. This could help in the development of better treatments for these two conditions.

 

Dr. Robert G. Tsushima (Operating Grant funded 2008-2011)

York University (Toronto, ON)

Title: Role of endogenous cholesterol in beta-cell stimulus-secretion coupling

Dr. Robert G. Tsushima is studying the effects of high cholesterol on insulin-secreting cells in people with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Tsushima's research may clarify the role of high cholesterol in the development of diabetes.

 

Currently Funded