Diabetes & Obesity

At Nemours, each pediatric biomedical research center works closely with clinicians and other professionals to find innovative ways of preventing and treating childhood diseases. One significant area of our work focuses on reversing the rise in diabetes and obesity, and addressing diseases related to growth and nutrition. Some of our significant work is summarized here.

Diabetes-Related Research

Statins in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Many adults take statins (a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs) to reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers at our Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders are wrapping up three interrelated projects that investigate whether statins improve the cardiovascular health of children with type 1 diabetes. One project is a randomized placebo-controlled trial to see if statins can safely reduce abnormal plasma lipids and to study the interrelationship of these abnormal lipids with glucose levels using continuous glucose sensors in young children with type 1 diabetes. Another measures the effect of statins on markers of inflammation in circulating blood cells. The third measures artery damage with novel MRI scanning technology.

Abnormal Blood Sugars and the Brain

It’s well known that high blood sugar levels in children with diabetes can damage the cardiovascular system. Nemours researchers, in collaboration with colleagues at five other centers, are examining the effects of diabetes on the brain. They’re using state-of-the-art brain imaging tools and neurocognitive testing in very young children with and without diabetes. The researchers are investigating whether children with abnormal blood sugar levels have differences in brain anatomy and brain function compared with normal children without diabetes.

Childhood Obesity Research

Fitness Programs for Children with Family History of Obesity

Can a gym-based fitness program help children stay in better shape?  Working closely with Christiana Hospital and the YMCA, Nemours researchers are piloting a community-based program to explore the benefits of a doctor-designed fitness program. Their focus: children who come from families where obesity is already a factor.

Growth & Nutrition Research

Growth Hormone, Aromatase Inhibitors and Idiopathic Short Stature

For adolescent males with severe short stature, puberty greatly limits the amount of time available for catch-up growth. It is the estrogen produced in puberty that ultimately fuses the growth plates of children, even in males. This randomized controlled trial examines the role of aromatase inhibitors — drugs that block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen — alone and in combination with growth hormone (GH) — in enhancing growth in adolescent boys with significant short stature. Sites for the study include Jacksonville, Philadelphia and Santiago, Chile.

In another study, researchers at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando are working to obtain additional data on the safety and outcome of growth hormone therapy in patients utilizing different brands of the hormone. A third study evaluates the optimal management strategies for children receiving the hormone.

Estrogen and Turner Syndrome

Turner Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects females and is associated with short stature and ovarian failure along with a number of other physical abnormalities. Researchers at Nemours are investigating whether estrogen administered either orally and via skin patches works differently on body composition and metabolism in girls with Turner syndrome. The study also aims to better understand whether titration of the dose of estrogen can be done using sophisticated laboratory assays during treatment.

Nutrition-Related Research

Natural Antioxidants and Obesity

Can the natural antioxidants found in fruit and vegetable juice concentrates, combined with nutritional counseling, play a role in obesity in male adolescents? A recent study by Nemours researchers looked at the evidence. Participants, including both lean and overweight boys, were tested over six months to see if the antioxidants in the juice might help reduce obesity — and help improve insulin resistance.