A Longitudinal Study Of Nerve Morphology In Diabetic Neuropathy Using Novel Non-invasive Ophthalmic Surrogate Markers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,372.00
Summary
This research project will use two new ophthalmic instruments - the corneal confocal microscope and non-contact corneal aesthesiometer - to directly monitor changes in corneal nerves and corneal sensitivity, over a 5 year period, in diabetic patients suffering from a painful condition of the arms and legs known as diabetic neuropathy. This study will generate important new information that could allow diabetic doctors to more accurately monitor the progression of the disease.
The Role Of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1a In Beta-Cell Function And Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,303.00
Summary
HIF1a is a gene which our preliminary data shows is needed for normal beta-cell function and insulin secretion. When beta-cells cannot release enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise, and diabetes develops. This research plan will look at the effects of deletion of HIF1a and of increasing HIF1a to see how this affects function of beta-cells and - or diabetes development. This work may show that HIF1a is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes in humans.
Aldosterone Inhibition And Diabetic Retinopathy: Treatments And Mechanisms Of Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,294.00
Summary
The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030, more than 360 million people will have diabetes. Despite almost all patients developing retinopathy, current treatments do not prevent disease progression. One strategy being evaluated is blockade of a hormone called angiotensin II. We have new evidence that a related system called aldosterone exists in retina and contributes to damage. This project will determine if aldosterone blockade is a potential treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
Mediation Pathways For The Receptor For Advanced Glycation End Products In Diabetic Nephropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,812.00
Summary
Excess sugar in the blood from diabetes is detrimental and can accelerate a process where sugar attaches itself to proteins, fats and DNA. Although facilitated by high sugar, the reaction occurs happily in the presence of low sugar with high levels of free oxygen radicals. These complexes are called advanced glycation end products or AGEs. In addition, we ingest vast volumes of AGES from our diet which are taken into the blood. These AGEs are known to be involved in the development of kidney dis ....Excess sugar in the blood from diabetes is detrimental and can accelerate a process where sugar attaches itself to proteins, fats and DNA. Although facilitated by high sugar, the reaction occurs happily in the presence of low sugar with high levels of free oxygen radicals. These complexes are called advanced glycation end products or AGEs. In addition, we ingest vast volumes of AGES from our diet which are taken into the blood. These AGEs are known to be involved in the development of kidney disease in diabetic subjects. AGEs exert most of their effects on the body by binding to specific proteins, the most common and nasty of which is the receptor for advanced glycation end products, RAGE. RAGE is a known participant in other serious diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and evidence is mounting for its central role in the development of kidney disease in diabetic subjects. There is not much known about the processes which mediate RAGE which is why this is the aim of this proposal. This will enable us to stop the relentless progression of kidney disease in diabetes.Read moreRead less
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus And Cognitive Decline - A Longitudinal Study Of Effects And Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,317,589.00
Summary
Diabetes mellitus and dementia are major public health problems. Diabetes may increase the risk of dementia. This longitudinal study aims to uncover the mechanism by which diabetes may increase dementia risk. This may lead to finding new ways to prevent or treat diabetes-related dementia and thus reduce the public health burden of dementia.
Culturally Appropriate Diabetes Care In Mainstream General Practice For Urban Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,291.00
Summary
Main study objectives are to determine the enablers and barriers for urban Indigenous people to access mainstream primary care services, in particular diabetes chronic care services. This knowledge of critical access and acceptability factors will guide the development of a culturally approirate diabetes care intervention for Indigenous patients. This adpated intervention, to be delivered in mainstream general practices, will be pilot-tested for cultural appropriateness in Indigenous patients.
Sympathetic Nervous System Inhibition For The Treatment Of Diabetic Nephropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,365.00
Summary
One of the commonest consequences of diabetes is the development of renal impairment, in the worst case scenario resulting in renal failure reuqiring renal replacement therapy. We aim to test a novel therapeutic strategy based on inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system to halt progression of renal failure and to improve outcomes in patients with this condition.