Genetic analysis of type 2 diabetes in indigenous Australian pedigrees. [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Joanne Shaw (Principal investigator)

Brief description Type 2 diabetes is a major world health problem. With 300 million people expected to be affected worldwide by 2025 it is a major economic burden. It is a leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, heart attacks, strokes and amputations. Over 7% of the general Australian population have type 2 diabetes, whilst up to 30% of the population in some indigenous communities are affected by this condition. Very few Australians have not been touched in some way by the shadow of diabetes. The precise cause of diabetes is unknown, however we do know that it tends to run in families, indicating that inherited tendency is important. This research program will find genes which cause diabetes by searching for them in indigenous Australian pedigrees in which many of the family members are affected by diabetes. Finding the genes which cause diabetes will have significant impact in at least three major ways. Firstly, it will increase our understanding of the disease process. Secondly, it will be possible to develop tests to identify people at risk of diabetes at a very early stage so that therapy can be introduced and complications averted. Thirdly, it will be possible to develop new and more effective approaches for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Funding Amount $AUD 502,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant