ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - February 25, 2009) - A new grant received by the American Diabetes Association will
study how hormones in the gut could one day prevent or treat type 2
diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The American Diabetes Association-
Novo Nordisk Clinical/Translational Research Award will provide $1.2
million to support researchers studying the effects of intestinal hormones
on obesity and pre-diabetes, two risk factors for type 2 diabetes and
cardiovascular disease.
The researchers will study the role of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and
other incretin hormones in people at risk for or with diabetes. GLP-1 is a
hormone secreted in the intestine during digestion that decreases blood
glucose levels.
The two grants, totaling $600,000 per grant, will fund investigation in two
key areas:
1. Preventing or treating obesity, pre-diabetes and type 2
diabetes. The research will help to better understand the role of
incretins, including GLP-1, in the progression of obesity, pre-diabetes and
type 2 diabetes. The findings could provide more insight into what
biomarkers might be used to allow earlier intervention to prevent and/or
treat obesity and/or pre-diabetes before type 2 diabetes develops.
2. Regulating weight, satiety and cardiovascular risk factors. The
investigation will look beyond the direct effects of incretins, including
GLP-1, and into areas such as weight control, satiety and the effects on
cardiovascular risk factors such as triglycerides and blood pressure.
"Studying the role of GLP-1 and other incretin hormones in people with type
2 diabetes and those at risk holds much promise," commented Scott Campbell,
PhD, American Diabetes Association Vice President of Research Programs.
"Emerging science shows us that GLP-1 treatments can positively affect
glucose metabolism and may increase beta cell mass, two important elements
that could someday lead to a cure for type 2 diabetes."
"Novo Nordisk's highest priority has always been the health and well being
of people living with diabetes, and we strive to do everything we can to
conduct and support research that will lead to the discovery of new,
innovative treatments for people affected," says Nathaniel G. Clark, MD,
MS, RD, Novo Nordisk's Senior Medical Advisor - Diabetes. "This is why, as
part of our Changing Diabetes Leadership Initiative, we are truly pleased
to support the American Diabetes Association in supporting studies
investigating the full potential of this medication class in both those
with and at risk for type 2 diabetes."
Find out more about American Diabetes Association-funded research
projects.
The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation, founded in 1994, was
created to raise major contributions to fund diabetes research conducted
through a nationwide research program. Today, one hundred percent of all
Research Foundation contributions go directly to support the business of
diabetes science. In FY08, the American Diabetes Association Research
Foundation invested approximately $42.5 million in diabetes research,
funding 442 researchers nationwide at over 172 leading research
institutions in the country. The Association has invested more than $500
million and provided funding for more than 4,000 research projects.
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly
consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The
Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers
services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible
information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of
diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and
to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more
information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these
sources is available in English and
Spanish.
