Long Acting Insulin: Drug Design, In Vitro Activity Through To Animal Model Efficacy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,011.00
Summary
This research will develop novel insulins that possess improved stability and activity for diabetic patients. The improved pharmacological actions of the modified insulins offer increased treatment options for patients eg. enabling less frequent or invasive medication. Our cross-disciplinary team will (i) design and synthesise insulin derivatives, (ii) explore the activity of the modified insulins by biophysical activity profiles in vitro, (iii) evaluate the in vivo stability and clinical effect ....This research will develop novel insulins that possess improved stability and activity for diabetic patients. The improved pharmacological actions of the modified insulins offer increased treatment options for patients eg. enabling less frequent or invasive medication. Our cross-disciplinary team will (i) design and synthesise insulin derivatives, (ii) explore the activity of the modified insulins by biophysical activity profiles in vitro, (iii) evaluate the in vivo stability and clinical effects.Read moreRead less
Is Insulin Sensitivity In Children And Their Mothers Programmed By Maternal Blood Glucose?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,630.00
Summary
Glucose intolerance in pregnancy is associated with the birth of large-for-dates and macrosomic (>4000g) babies. The risk of type 2 diabetes is greater in babies who are small or large at birth compared to those with normal birth weight. This study will determine if treatment of mothers with glucose intolerance in pregnancy (which is intermediate between normal glucose tolerance and diabetes) alters the regulation of glucose tolerance in their children. The mothers were randomised to receive ....Glucose intolerance in pregnancy is associated with the birth of large-for-dates and macrosomic (>4000g) babies. The risk of type 2 diabetes is greater in babies who are small or large at birth compared to those with normal birth weight. This study will determine if treatment of mothers with glucose intolerance in pregnancy (which is intermediate between normal glucose tolerance and diabetes) alters the regulation of glucose tolerance in their children. The mothers were randomised to receive normal antenatal care or to have their blood sugar measured and controlled by diet and insulin as for diabetics. We will measure the insulin sensitivity of the children to a glucose load. We will also measure blood pressure and lipids in these children. Treatment of the mother during pregnancy may alter the deposition of fat in the fetus the effect of which will continue into childhood. Thus the offspring of treated mothers may remain thinner throughout childhood. Each pregnancy increases a woman's chance of developing type 2 diabetes in later life. This risk is further increased by abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy. This study will test the long-term benefits of treatment during pregnancy of women with impaired glucose tolerance on the subsequent regulation of glucose tolerance. We shall invite women who took part in the Australian Carbohydrate Study in Pregnancy (ACHOIS) to return and have an intravenous glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance will be determined and related to treatment of the impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy. This study will be the first follow-up of a large randomised trial of treatments of impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy. The potential long-term benefits are strategies to reduce the future chance of developing risk factors for type 2 diabetes, obesity and abnormal blood lipids in childhood and adult life. The study will establish the benefits or otherwise of tight control of blood glucose in pregnancy.Read moreRead less
HDL Elevation And Glucose Metabolism: A Mechanistic Proof-of-Concept Intervention Trial In Pre-Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$507,974.00
Summary
This clinical trial will investigate a new treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes. Building on our novel discovery that HDL (good cholesterol) lowers blood glucose, we will test whether HDL elevation over a month with a new drug (RVX-208) can improve glucose control in patients with pre-diabetes. If positive, these studies will support new therapeutic approaches to raise levels of circulating HDL for indications beyond vascular disease to manage type 2 diabetes.
Does Exercise Increase Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity Via Nitric Oxide?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,815.00
Summary
Almost one in four Australian adults have either diabetes or impaired glucose metabolism. A major benefit of exercise is that it increases the sensitivity of muscle to insulin for many hours after the exercise is completed. We don't fully understand the mechanisms that exercise increases muscle insulin sensitivity. If we discover how nitric oxide production during exercise is involved, drugs that mimic these exercise effects may be designed to benefit those with diabetes.
The Management Of Women With Type 1 Diabetes During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,741.00
Summary
Pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes is associated with increased risks to the mother and baby and lower rates of breastfeeding. There is a relative paucity of published studies concerning the management of these women particularly in late pregnancy, immediately after delivery and during breastfeeding. Through a series of studies this project aims to address these areas of uncertainty and thereby improve the management of these women during these periods.
The effects of therapeutic glucocorticoid doses on carbohydrate and energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk have not been fully clarified. This PhD thesis will be based around two studies aiming to: 1.) Define mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of low dose prednisolone in patients with inflammatory rheumatologic disease and 2.) Improve treatment of prednisolone-induced hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients.