Grant: DRA: Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards - Doctoral

"My PhD research is part of the Canadian Bone Strength Development Study (CanBSDS), a CIHR-funded multicenter study that compares how bones grow and strengthen in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and in healthy children. Children with T1D have a higher risk of fractures, but we do not yet fully understand when differences in bone development appear or why they occur. My thesis will address two main objectives: 1) Determine how and when sex-specific bone growth patterns differ between children with T1D and healthy peers, with a focus on the critical period of rapid growth during puberty (the growth spurt). 2) Examine why these differences occur by assessing how body composition, muscle, physical activity, and nutrition contribute to bone development in boys and girls with and without T1D. We expect to observe sex-specific differences in bone development between the T1D and control groups, and that lower gains in muscle size and strength, fewer daily bone-impact activities, and lower intakes of calcium, vitamin D, and protein will be associated with poorer bone gains, especially in children with T1D. In this project, I will learn to analyze and interpret advanced bone imaging data, including high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans and engineering-based methods to estimate bone strength. I will also examine how physical activity, muscle, and bone interact during growth and apply my nutrition background to better understand bone development. I will contribute to knowledge mobilization activities with Diabetes Canada, iChallenge, and local schools to support awareness of musculoskeletal health and related lifestyle choices. Altogether, these efforts will help children with T1D reach their full potential for building strong bones during growth and support lifelong prevention of bone fragility and fractures."