An Australian Based Heart and Vascular Study of Youth: Impact of Adiposity and Type 2 Diabetes

Project Collaborators

• R Tapp, Monash University
• Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute
• Murdoch Childen's Research Institute
• ICCH, Imperial College London

Project Outline

This project will for the first time determine the epidemiology and early vascular consequences of type 2 diabetes in Australian children and youth. There are major gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms leading to early changes in vascular and cardiac structure and function, particularly in relation to how it is influenced by the early onset of obesity or T2DM. This project will provide comprehensive and valuable information on the impact of obesity and T2DM on early vascular and cardiac changes in youth. Risk factors for CHD are present in youth with T2DM, an assessment of both early indicators of vascular and cardiac abnormalities are warranted, both among those with early onset T2DM and those at high risk of developing T2DM (i.e. those with obesity). Understanding the process and influences of early vascular and cardiac changes is essential for the development of appropriately timed treatment and intervention in these high risk populations. 

Project Outcomes

This project is in planning stage only, further information will be provided as the project progresses.