Research Areas
A Pioneer in Treating Endocrine Issues
Each year, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s receives nearly 8 million dollars in endocrine research funding to learn more about the causes, treatments and prevention strategies for childhood diabetes, growth disorders in children, childhood obesity and other endocrine disorders. We conduct endocrine system research in partnership with the National Institute of Health, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Diabetes Association and several pharmaceutical companies looking to test new endocrine therapies for children. Through these studies we have been able to develop a standard of care that is unmatched across the country.
The Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study
The Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study is one of the most well-known studies of diabetes, which started more than 25 years ago. It links the idea of better blood sugar control to fewer complications in diabetes patients. It also looks at the impact of genetics. Endocrinology specialists at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s have been involved in this study since its inception. Along with our colleagues at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, we serve as the study's national clinical coordinating center.
Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY2)
The Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study was a landmark National Institutes of Health comparative effectiveness trial for children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes. The TODAY2 study monitored 500 of the original TODAY participants annually for 15 years for signs of diabetes complications. TODAY2 found that people with type 2 diabetes diagnosed during youth have a high risk of developing complications at early ages and have a great chance of multiple complications within 15 years after diagnosis. TODAY and TODAY2 bring awareness to all medical providers and families that we need to identify children at risk for type 2 diabetes earlier and aggressively treat them. Read More
Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY)
The Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study is a landmark National Institutes of Health study that monitors more than 700 children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes. The study takes place in multiple centers across the nation. It considers why diabetes is on the rise in children and how this links to obesity.
Predicting Diabetes Complications
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s researchers are conducting an innovative trial to determine if biochemical markers on the skin may help predict whether a child or young adult is at high-risk for developing diabetes complications. It is thought these predictors may be more accurate than traditional blood sugar tests.
Understanding the Relationship Between Cystic Fibrosis and Diabetes
We are leading the way in studying diabetes with roots in cystic fibrosis (CF). About 30 percent of children with CF will develop a unique type of diabetes. UH received an award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to develop a special clinic to gather data and treat more children with the condition.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Young Adults with Diabetes
Clinical researchers examine the potential for advanced continuous glucose monitoring systems to improve outcomes for children with diabetes.
Growth Disorders
Clinical research explores how best to treat children with short stature of various causes.
Obesity
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s conducts several programs focusing on the preventing and treating of childhood obesity and other chronic conditions.