Clinical Research Directory

Brain Health in Youth With Normal Weight, Overweight and Obesity at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Investigators propose to study youth across the spectrum of body mass index (BMI) and dysglycemia. This approach will allow investigators to disentangle the relationship of key features of type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk (e.g. obesity) with intermediary physiologic changes (e.g. insulin resistance, inflammation, β-cell dysfunction and dysglycemia) that pose a risk for the brain. Investigators will determine which of these factors are most associated with differences in brain structure and function among groups, over time, and how these effects differ from normal neurodevelopment.

Pioglitazone on Heart Failure in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Participants

Our goal of the study is to learn the effects of the diabetes medication named Pioglitazone, in type-2 diabetic obese participants with Heart failure. The main question it aims to answer are: 1. To demonstrate that impaired mitochondrial function leading to reduced ATP generation plays a key pathophysiologic role in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in obese type 2 diabetic (T2D) individuals. 2. To demonstrate that pioglitazone, improves diastolic (as well as systolic) function by improving myocardial insulin sensitivity and by reducing both myocardial and epicardial fat content.

Beta-Cell - Liver Interactions in Situations of Modified Beta-Cell Function

The investigators will measure blood levels of 1,5-anhydroglucitol in obese children with or without type 2 diabetes and correlate them with parameters related to functional beta-cell mass and glucose metabolism. The values will be compared to those obtained in healthy volunteers. The aim of the study is to test the validity of 1,5-anhydroglucitol as a novel biomarker of beta-cell mass and function in children with obesity with or without type 2 diabetes.

Implementation of a Peer Leader-facilitated Dyadic Intervention

This Pilot Study Large Application builds upon the results of our prior work to 1) Implement and pilot test a peer leader-facilitated 12-week dyadic intervention (Community Health among Asian Indian immigrants (CHAI) Dyad study) using a cluster randomization design, to decrease CVD risk among first generation AI immigrants; and 2) Assess the feasibility/acceptability of a full-scale intervention. Twenty marital dyads from the site randomly assigned as the intervention site will receive the 12- week peer leader-facilitated dyadic intervention, while 20 dyads from the site randomly assigned as the "usual care" control group site will receive a basic cardiovascular lifestyle modification program. Both groups will meet weekly (90 min. classes) for 12 weeks in a hybrid format (a combination of face to face and remote learning). The intervention is designed to address factors that we identified in our previous study as contributing to a syndemic of cardiovascular disease among AI immigrants including acculturation stress, family history and genetic risk, physical inactivity, as well as a high fat, high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet.

Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce the Risk of Sarcopenia in Adults With Diabetes & Obesity Treated With Semaglutide

This study aims to test whether a multi-disciplinary intervention involving exercise and nutrition can slow down the decline in physical function, muscle strength and mass in older adults (aged 65-75) with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity treated with Semaglutide. The main questions it aims to answer are: In older people with T2D and obesity, treated with Semaglutide, does a multi-disciplinary intervention of exercise and nutrition compared to standard health recommendations: 1. Reduce the rate of decline in muscle mass? 2. Reduce the rate of decline in muscle strength? 3. Reduce the rate of decline in physical function? Participants will: Administer Semaglutide once weekly for 6 months. Visit the clinic once every 8 weeks for checkups and tests. Keep a diary of their exercise and food consumption. Participants in the intervention group will participate in an online exercise program and will receive personal nutritional counseling.

LCMD for Type 2 Diabetes Remission: Evaluation of Effectiveness and Exploration of Individual Differences

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has become a major public health problem. Achieving remission (HbA1c\<6.5% without glucose-lowering medications) has recently become a new treatment goal. Low-calorie diets effectively induce remission, but adverse effects like fatigue, appetite, and constipation hinder success. Integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs into a low-calorie diet may alleviate adverse effects and improve remission rates. This project investigates the efficacy of a Low-Calorie Medicine Diet (LCMD) in achieving T2DM remission among overweight/obese individuals through a randomized controlled trial. The investigators will explore individual differences in remission and elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms, focusing on the brain-gut-microbiota axis. By integrating nutrition and TCM dietetics, this project provides a novel, evidence-based approach to managing T2DM in Chinese populations.