NUH team to track 2,300 people for diabetes

FOR some people, it takes years for their high blood sugar levels to result in full-blown diabetes. For others, all it takes is a matter of months.

To find out why, a team of doctors from the National University Hospital (NUH) is embarking on a study that will chart the course to Type 2 diabetes in 2,300 people without the condition.

They will track these volunteers for three years to see if any of them develop diabetes, and study the factors that might have caused it.

The study will cover 800 people with normal blood sugar levels, and 1,500 pre-diabetics - those with blood sugar levels approaching the diabetic range.

"To our knowledge, this is one of the largest studies that go to this level of depth and breadth... to better understand the risk factors," said Sue-Anne Toh, a senior consultant with NUH's endocrinology division, who is heading the study.

She added that the study plans to identify lifestyle factors and biomarkers - such as certain proteins - that make someone more likely to develop the chronic condition.

The $20 million study is funded by the Ministry of Health and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Those who are interested in joining the study can e-mail brite_spot@nuhs.edu.sg.

They can also call 9135-4495 or 9131-4490 during office hours.

Participants must be between 30 years old and 65 years old, and be generally healthy with no history of diabetes or other chronic conditions requiring long-term medication.

Both those with normal blood sugar levels and pre-diabetics can apply.

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