Alberta Diabetes Institute -
Clinical Research Unit

The Alberta Diabetes Institute is happy to announce that the Clinical Research Unit (CRU), in the Li Ka Shing Centre for Health and Research, will be fully operational by the end of this summer.  The new, 8000 square foot facility will encompass researchers from a variety of disciplines and incorporate studies focusing on diabetes, obesity, metabolism and nutrition.  The multidisciplinary unit will house cutting edge equipment including: a whole body calorimetry room, which is only the second in the country; an air displacement plethysmography (BodPod) for body composition analysis; and a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for assessing bone density.  The facility will also contain 6 private clinical examination rooms, a large kitchen and dining area for controlled nutritional studies, a day-ward area for extended patient visits and a blood draw and sample preparation area.

The Human Nutrition Research Unit (HNRU) is currently operating out of the CRU.  Although the transition into the CRU is still in its final stages, new projects are well underway.  A pilot study to ensure that the state of the art calorimetry room is functioning accurately will take place this month.  The study will involve 10 participants who will spend 2, twenty-four hour periods in the room, while their metabolic activity is monitored.  The calorimetry unit will be used in studies concerning the metabolism of type 2 diabetes patients this fall.  Another study presently taking place, involving the HNRU, is called Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APRON).  The APRON study is examining the relationship between prenatal nutrition and mother and infant health.

The Clinical Research Unit will serve as a place where basic and clinical scientists will work together to perform studies that incorporate translational research, meaning the findings of their basic research will have practical applications and promptly result in meaningful health outcomes.  The CRU, along with skilled researchers and coordinators, will provide a welcoming and proficient setting for participants to volunteer in ground breaking research studies.  The addition of this world class facility to the ADI promises to hold exciting outcomes for all of those involved.