https://pittplusme.org/study/discovery
DISCOVERY Study
STUDY BASICS
Are you the parent of a child 8-15 years old? Your child may be eligible for a research study to learn about the causes of type 2 diabetes in children. Test results about diabetes risk will be shared with participants and their medical providers. Compensation is provided for each study visit.
STUDY PURPOSE
This is a study to learn why some children are more at risk for type 2 diabetes than others. What we learn will help us to develop better ways to prevent type 2 diabetes in more children.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?
- Girls who are 8-13 years old with a high body mass index (BMI) OR have a diagnosis of pre-diabetes (which can lead to diabetes)
- Boys who are 9-15 years old with a high BMI OR have a diagnosis of pre-diabetes
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
The DISCOVERY study involves close monitoring to detect the earlier signs of type 2 diabetes using state of the art testing:
- In-clinic visits (2x a year)
- Blood tests
- Wearable devices
- Questionnaires for children and their caregivers
IRB: STUDY26040109A
- DISCOVERY of Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth Study
MEET THE RESEARCHER
Mary Ellen Vajravelu
Dr. Mary Ellen Vajravelu is a pediatric endocrinologist in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a faculty member within the Center for Pediatric Research in Obesity and Metabolism. Her research aims to develop optimal treatment strategies for youth and young adults with obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes that overcome real-world barriers. Current and past projects include development of digital health-based interventions to increase physical activity, community-partnered interventions to address health-related social needs, and characterization of social risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in youth.