Dietary Protein Effects In Elderly Women: Musculoskeletal, Renal, Cardiovascular And Body Composition Endpoints
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$478,946.00
Summary
Fractures and falls of the elderly are major health problems in our community in terms of disability and cost. It is critical to the future health of our aging population to develop non-pharmaceutical interventions to maintain health into old age. Epidemiologic studies have shown that relatively high protein intake is associated with increased bone mineral mass and reduced incidence of osteoporotic fracture in elderly people. Low protein intakes can lead to loss of muscle mass. To date there hav ....Fractures and falls of the elderly are major health problems in our community in terms of disability and cost. It is critical to the future health of our aging population to develop non-pharmaceutical interventions to maintain health into old age. Epidemiologic studies have shown that relatively high protein intake is associated with increased bone mineral mass and reduced incidence of osteoporotic fracture in elderly people. Low protein intakes can lead to loss of muscle mass. To date there have been no randomised trials of sufficient duration to examine the effects of increased dietary protein intake on bone and muscle health of the elderly. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of protein supplementation for the prevention of osteoporosis and muscle wasting in elderly women, and the safety of such an intervention through monitoring renal function and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Two hundred and twenty women will be recruited to this study and be assigned to protein group or placebo group. Women in the protein group will received 250 ml high protein drink (containing 30 g protein) per day and women in the placebo group will receive placebo drink containing the same amount of energy, calcium but no additional protein. Bone structure, muscle mass, body composition, renal function and risk factors for cardiovascular disease will be monitored during the 2 year study period. The results of this randomised, controlled study will clarify the role of protein on bone mass and structure, muscle mass and body composition in the elderly. At the same time, the safety of such intervention on renal and cardiovascular endpoints will also be evaluated. It is envisaged that the results of this study if positive will translate into both immediately applicable intervention strategies that are relevant at a program and an individual level.Read moreRead less
High Protein, Low Glycemic Load Weight Loss Diets In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$906,928.00
Summary
High protein, low glycemic load weight loss diets have the potential to be of value in long term weight control but there is little long term data available. There is also some uncertainty about the long term safety of high protein diets and this needs clarification in long term trials. As compliance to the diet is the major issue in long term trials we will explore new ways of getting people to stay in long term studies and maintain a calorie reduced diet.
PREVention Of Diabetes Through Lifestyle Intervention And Population Studies In Europe And Around The World
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,281.00
Summary
The PREVIEW Study will identify the most efficient lifestyle pattern for the prevention of type-2 diabetes in a population of pre-diabetic overweight or obese individuals. The project comprises two distinct lines of evidence, an intervention study and population studies. The focus will be on diet (specifically protein and glycemic index) and intensity of physical activity, as well as their interaction with the lifestyle factors, habitual stress, sleeping pattern, behavioural, environmental, cult ....The PREVIEW Study will identify the most efficient lifestyle pattern for the prevention of type-2 diabetes in a population of pre-diabetic overweight or obese individuals. The project comprises two distinct lines of evidence, an intervention study and population studies. The focus will be on diet (specifically protein and glycemic index) and intensity of physical activity, as well as their interaction with the lifestyle factors, habitual stress, sleeping pattern, behavioural, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic variables.Read moreRead less
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.
Birth Outcomes And Body Composition In Babies Born To Mothers With Diabetes In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$109,358.00
Summary
This study will evaluate outcomes and body composition in neonates born to mothers who have diabetes during their pregnancy in the Northern Territory. Babies born to mothers with diabetes may be at higher risk of complications during birth and later in life may have increased risk of obesity and diabetes, conditions which are particularly prevalent in the Indigenous population and contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates. This study will be important to evaluate these factors, particular ....This study will evaluate outcomes and body composition in neonates born to mothers who have diabetes during their pregnancy in the Northern Territory. Babies born to mothers with diabetes may be at higher risk of complications during birth and later in life may have increased risk of obesity and diabetes, conditions which are particularly prevalent in the Indigenous population and contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates. This study will be important to evaluate these factors, particularly in a high risk population.Read moreRead less
Dietary Fats As Drivers Of Obesity-related Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$336,767.00
Summary
Obesity leads to diabetes and heart disease but not all body fat seems to be bad. Increased fat around the waist (especially the visceral fat around the intestine and internal organs) is particularly bad. Visceral fat secretes a lot of inflammatory molecules. This research aims to understand how visceral fat becomes inflamed and how we might use diet and other methods to reduce both the amount of visceral fat and its level of inflammation; thus reducing both obesity and its health consequences.
I am a nutritional scientist with a research focus on gastrointestinal function and energy intake regulation in humans. The aim of my research is to understand (1) how any changes in gut function in obesity derail the appetite-regulatory and, thus, reinforce weight gain, ans (2) the role of gut function in the pathophysiology of digestive symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia.