GHN Researcher Kirsten Coppell awarded HRC Funding

Congratulations to Dr Kirsten Coppell who received funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand for her project: What predicts regression from prediabetes to normal glucose regulation?

For more on Kirsten's research click here.

What predicts regression from prediabetes to normal glucose regulation?

Prediabetes is a high-risk state for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Regression to normoglycaemia significantly reduces risk, even if regression is transient. In NZ prevalence of diabetes is 7% and prevalence of diabetes is 26%. Primary care-based lifestyle advice needs to be more effective if prediabetes is to be well managed and cases of T2DM prevented. Following our Hawke’s Bay-based collaborative feasibility study in a real-world primary care setting, we aim to determine if there are clinically relevant and modifiable differences between those with prediabetes who regress to normoglycaemia at 6 months, and those who do not, following participation in our structured practice nurse-delivered prediabetes dietary intervention. Results will contribute to understanding cultural, psychosocial, physical health and genetic factors associated with regression from prediabetes to normoglycaemia, and inform more effective prediabetes management clinical decision making. Established networks will facilitate widespread adoption of our novel prediabetes intervention tool.