Grant: Operating Grant

Ever increasing rates of obesity in the Western world have led to a rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, affecting over 2 million Canadians. While the association between obesity and diabetes is well-recognized, emerging evidence suggests that overnutrition and rapid growth in early life may also increase diabetes risk. Our research aims to identify hormonal alterations in response to early overnutrition which may affect life-long blood sugar control and may even affect subsequent generations. Furthermore, we will determine whether abnormalities can be improved by a healthier diet. This could potentially lead to screening of at-risk infants and children for hormonal indicators of diabetes risk and lead to early dietary or drug interventions aimed at reducing long-term harm.