Edge graphic
Back to Homepage

Diabetes Research

Diabetes in Pregnancy

Women with diabetes in pregnancy continue to have poor pregnancy outcomes compared to women without diabetes. Strict blood sugar control before and during pregnancy can reduce pregnancy complications. Despite the hard work of women with diabetes and their healthcare teams, very few women achieve guideline recommended blood sugar targets.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes Studies

CLIMB

A pilot open-label randomized controlled trial of the Medtronic 770g in automode vs manual mode in people with type 1 diabetes postpartum.

CONCEPTT Kids

Using individuals from the CONCEPTT study, CONCEPTT Kids is assessing the association between mother’s blood glucose during pregnancy on their child’s IQ, social responsiveness, attention and language scores. Recruitment is from CONCEPTT enrollment.

CIRCUIT

Aims to assess the efficacy of the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology in pregnant individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Jennifer Yamamoto
(opens in a new tab)

Type 2 Diabetes Studies

TIMELY

Pregnant individuals with type 1 diabetes are provided with set target blood sugars that provide the best outcomes for mother and baby. Currently, there are no clearly outlined target ranges and goals for blood sugars in pregnant individuals with type 2 diabetes due to lack of robust data. We aim to determine to what extent women with type 2 diabetes are achieving the time in the target range outlined for women with type 1 diabetes. Pregnant individuals with type 2 diabetes will wear the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor throughout pregnancy to assess if they’re meeting the same targets as pregnant individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Jennifer Yamamoto
(opens in a new tab)

The Next Generation Study

Next Generation, or NextGen, is a research that studies Indigenous children of a parent who is living with type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes or doesn’t have any diabetes. We want to answer important questions about why type 2 diabetes runs in some families and what risks exist. Our goal is to prevent the progression, treat early, or support families to live well with diabetes.

Dr. Brandy Wicklow
(opens in a new tab)
Learn more

Gestational Diabetes Studies

Fundamental Mechanisms of Gestational Diabetes

Recent findings from our lab and others has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction during pregnancy is linked to the development of gestational diabetes. We are using unique tissue restricted transgenic mouse models to investigate how altering the mitochondrial function affects glucose homeostasis during pregnancy.

Dr. Vern Dolinsky
(opens in a new tab)

Mechanisms of how Gestational Diabetes Influences Offspring Cardiovascular Health

Exposure to gestational diabetes is associated with a greater risk of heart disease in the offspring but little is known about why this occurs. Protein acetylation is a post-translational modification that controls energy production and utilization by the heart. Evidence suggests that protein acetylation is altered in diabetes and heart disease. We are using a combination of unique transgenic mouse models, ultrasound imaging, proteomic and metabolomic methods to investigate how exposure to gestational diabetes affects protein acetylation and the heart of the offspring.

Dr. Vern Dolinsky
(opens in a new tab)

Maternal Nutritional Therapies in Gestational Diabetes and Offspring Health

Using mouse models, we are investigating the therapeutic potential of small molecules derived from plants to improve glycemic control during pregnancy. We are also investigating their effects on offspring health and weather these molecules may mitigate the effects of gestational diabetes exposure on metabolic health in the offspring.

Dr. Vern Dolinsky
(opens in a new tab)

PREDISPOSE

Aims to predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after having gestational diabetes using continuous glucose monitoring technology.
Dr. Jennifer Yamamoto