Gastric Counter-regulation Of Hypoglycaemia: Studies In Health And Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,193.00
Summary
Insulin injections are often needed to treat diabetes, but they can cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), which are usually distressing, and sometimes fatal. The stomach is important in regulating blood sugar; in response to hypoglycaemia, it empties food much more rapidly, allowing carbohydrate to be absorbed faster to normalise blood sugar levels. The proposed studies will explore this important area, in order to develop better ways of preventing and treating hypoglycaemia.
The Role Of The Peptide Urotensin II And Its Receptor In Diabetes Associated Vascular Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,567.00
Summary
Diabetes damages blood vessels through the actions of hormones, possibly including new hormones such as urotensin II. I intend to investigate whether stopping the actions of urotensin II will prevent blood vessel and kidney damage in diabetes. By determining how urotensin II may cause the injury and thus prevent it from causing damage, I will be able to discover new targets for treatment that could reduce, or even prevent the progression of the blood vessel and kidney damage seen in diabetes.
Transforming Mealtime Insulin Dosing Using An Innovative New Bolusing Calculator To Optimise Glycaemic Control In Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
People with type 1 diabetes require life-long insulin injections to maintain their blood glucose levels in the optimal range. Mealtime dose estimations based solely on carbohydrate have limited efficacy as they fail to take fat and protein into account. The aim of this project is to develop an evidence-based insulin bolusing calculator integrated into a smartphone app to enhance blood glucose control and reduce the daily burden of disease and the risk of life-threatening complications.
Compared with normal-weight children, obese youth have a higher chance of developing diseases like Type 2 diabetes. With 1 in 4 Australian children now being overweight or obese, effective treatment programs need to be developed alongside those aimed at prevention. This program of research aims to identify which overweight/obese children are most likely to develop diabetes, with a particular focus on how infant nutrition regulates important growth factors to alter long-term diabetes risk.
In Vivo Real-time Tracking Of “color-coded” Supercharged Mesenchymal Stem Cells And T Cells In Allograft Rejection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Growing specialized adult stem cells (MSC) in the presence of a unique immune signaling protein (IL-17) has generated a “supercharged” stem cell with superior abilities to dampen immune responses in cell and organ transplant patients. The use of these MSC in transplant patients may significantly reduce the dose of anti-rejection drugs required to prevent cell and organ rejection. By minimizing the dose of drugs, we aim to eliminate the risk of developing infections and cancer in these patients.
The Effects Of Acute And Chronic Hyperglycaemia On Short And Long-term Outcomes In The Critically Ill
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,513.00
Summary
Dr Adam Deane is an intensive care clinician/scientist who is an emerging leader in the field of critical care. His research activities are almost exclusively clinically based and relate primarily to the effects of critical illness on gastrointestinal function, nutrition and blood sugar control. This fellowship will allow Dr Deane to continue and grow his internationally recognised work in these areas.