Studentship Funding

Project

Lifestyle and metabolic assessment of teenagers with type II diabetes.

Type II diabetes in youth is a relatively new phenomenon which is increasing in prevalence. This disease is of a particular concern because developing type II diabetes early in life may also result in earlier development of complications of diabetes, such as heart disease, blindness and kidney problems. To date, there is little information about the nutritional status and fitness and activity levels of youth with type II diabetes. it is important to know how lifestyle affects type II diabetes in youth because this information may help lessen the short and long term effects of type II diabetes.

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the lifestyle habits and metabolic characteristics of teens with type II diabetes. Approximately twenty-five 13-18 year old males and females with type II diabetes will be recruited. There will also be 25 youth recruited for the control group. Diet, physical activity and pubertal status will be measured. Metabolic testing will include body composition, fat distribution, metabolic rate, blood fats and blood sugar/insulin.

We hypothesize that there will be a significant relatinoship between lifestyle habits and body composition, metabolism, blood fat and blood sugar levels. This study will provide information to aid in the development of future lifestyle management programs for this special patient group.

All studentships are funded by the Cosmopolitan Club of Canada.