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FRIMED-Klinisk medisin og folkehelse

Diabetes and diabetes precursors: detection, classification, prediction, genetics, complications and prevention. The Tromsö Study.

Awarded: NOK 3.0 mill.

The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus are increasing in many populations, and diabetes is now one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. Diabetes carries a great disease burden in terms of morbidity, mortality and costs. Most cases are classified as Type 2 diabetes, which has a strong genetic basis, but rapid changes in lifestyle including diet and physical activity levels are rapidly followed by changes in diabetes prevalence and incidence. This points to a large influence of modif iable risk factors and to a great potential for disease prevention. Diabetes and predisposing conditions including physical activity and weight changes have been studied in previous surveys of the population based Tromsø Study, and will be one of the mai n research areas in the sixth survey, scheduled to October 2007 through December 2008. Several diabetes-related subproject will take place. We will invite at least 16,000 adult inhabitants in Tromsø and expect 12,000 subjects to participate. The Tromsø 6 survey will contribute with prevalence estimates of diabetes, and with data on diabetes control and complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, in the population. We will study the relation between glucose and HbA1c levels in the non-diabetic part of th e population with regard to cardiovascular diseases. We will take part in a large international study of Type 2 diabetes and the interaction between genetic factors and environmental factors. We will perform a randomised trial on prevention of diabetes w ith vitamin D. Accurate diabetes detection and classification will be essential for diabetes related subprojects that will be included in Tromsø 6 survey. We seek funding of measurements and blood analyses that are most relevant for the various diabetes subprojects specified in the project description. Those measurements will also be made available for future research projects that are not a part of the current application.

Funding scheme:

FRIMED-Klinisk medisin og folkehelse