Pilot Projects
2015 PILOT PROJECTS
Four Pilot Project research awards, totaling $120,000, were awarded to Alberta Diabetes Institute scientists to fund discovery research in Type I and Type II diabetes. The purpose of these Pilot Project awards is to support hypothesis-driven research that will produce highly significant results with the potential for translation into applied health solutions. Funding was made available in late spring following review by the Research Coordinating Committee at the Alberta Diabetes Institute.
DONNA VINE
Co-applicants: M. Ghosh, S. Proctor, K. Maximova
Dietary fish oil: An adjunct approach to metformin to treat type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have high testosterone levels which is associated with altered insulin-glucose metabolism and an adverse blood lipid profile, predisposing them to the development of Type II Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). This study will investigate the use of dietary fish oil supplementation as a safe and effective intervention, and as an adjunct therapy to standard of care treatment with metformin to improve blood lipids and insulin-glucose metabolism to reduce the development of Type II Diabetes and CVD in this at-risk population.
Amount Funded: $30,000
JANE YARDLEY
Co-applicants: N. Boule, R. Oram, P. Senior
Responses of circulating insulin and glucagon to moderate aerobic exercise after clinical islet transplantation (ITx)
There is some evidence in animal models and anecdotal evidence among humans that islet cell transplant recipients are at a greater risk of hypoglycemia during exercise. This work will determine if this might be due to abnormal regulation of insulin and glucagon during physical activity.
Amount Funded: $30,000
JESSICA YUE
Co-applicant: Richard Lehner
The impact of brain glucocorticoid action on glucose homeostasis in vivo
Diabetes and obesity are visible health concerns that affect growing numbers of Canadians. Stress has long been known to deteriorate health, including how our bodies regulate our eating habits, physical activity, and control of blood glucose and lipid levels. This work will unveil novel actions of a stress- related hormone in the brain that alters our whole-body balance of glucose levels and production.
Amount Funded: $30,000
DOUGLAS ZOCHODNE
New molecular strategies to promote recovery from diabetic neuropathy
This work evaluates new molecules for regenerating damaged nerves in experimental diabetes. Diabetes impairs nerve regeneration necessary to reverse polyneuropathy. The new approaches increase the growth potential of neurons in order to reverse the neurological deficits caused by diabetes.
Amount Funded: $30,000