2024 News
Select New Publications:
Bacha F, et al. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in Youth.
Diabetes Care 2024. PMID: 39250166
Abstract: Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is a heterogeneous disease with increasing prevalence in relation to increased rates of obesity in children. It has genetic, epigenetic, social, and environmental determinants. Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is alarming given a rapidly progressive course compared with the course of adult-onset disease, early-onset vascular complications, and long-term exposure to hyperglycemia and associated complications. It is often preceded by "prediabetes," a disease phase where defects in β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity emerge. Herein, we review the current understanding of the pathophysiology of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in youth. We describe the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance, the precipitous decline of β-cell function, and the role of other hormonal abnormalities in the pathogenesis of the disease. We discuss the critical importance of social determinants of health in the predisposition and progression of these conditions and present current management strategies and the advances in therapeutic approaches. These must adapt to meet the unique needs of the individual patient and family. Significant knowledge gaps remain that need to be addressed in future research.
Bacha F, et al. Distinct Amino Acid Profile Characterizes Youth With or at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes.
Diabetes 2024. PMID: 38215171
Abstract: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and aromatic AAs (AAA) are associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes in adults. Studies in youth show conflicting results. We hypothesized that an AA metabolomic signature can be defined to identify youth at risk for β-cell failure and the development of type 2 diabetes. We performed targeted AA metabolomics analysis on 127 adolescents (65 females, 15.5±1.9 years old, Tanner stage II-V) with normal weight or obesity across the spectrum of glycemia, with assessment of AA concentrations by mass spectrometry, at fasting and steady-state (SS) of a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, with determination of insulin sensitivity (ISFFM). We measured insulin secretion during a 2-hour hyperglycemic clamp and calculated the disposition index (DIFFM), a measure of β-cell function. Our results showed that Gly and Gln/Glu were lower, whereas BCAA, Tyr and Lys concentrations were higher in the groups with obesity and dysglycemia compared with those with normal weight. Gly and Gln/Glu were positively related to IS and DIFFM, with opposite relationships observed for BCAA, AAA and Lys. We conclude that a metabolic signature of low Gly, low Gln/Glu and elevated BCAA, AAA and Lys may constitute a biomarker to identify youth at risk for β-cell failure.
From Obesity to Strong Bones: Essential Tips for Healthy Kids
Sept. 12, 2024:
ARS-funded research at the Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, delves into the critical connection between childhood obesity and bone health. The research uncovers how excess weight in Hispanic children can negatively affect bone density and mineral content, potentially increasing the risk of fractures. Researchers emphasize the importance of physical activity as a protective measure against these adverse effects and discuss practical strategies for parents to prevent obesity from the outset.
Video link (USDA YouTube channel)
2023 News
- Dr. Bacha received an NIH-NIDDK-U01 grant award for the project entitled: “Understanding and Targeting the Pathophysiology of Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes- Texas Children’s Center”.
- Dr. Bacha invited to serve as Diabetes Care Editorial Board Member 2023-2026 (S. Kahn, MB, ChB, Editor).
- Dr. Bacha presents on “Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), oxidation products (OPs) and the soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE) in youth with type 2 diabetes”. National TODAY Study Group Webinar Meeting. January 13, 2023.
2022 News
- Dr. Bacha received grant funding from NICHD for her project entitled: Type 2 Diabetes and Bone Health in Youth
- Dr. Bacha participated as an Invited Delegation Member from Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, to the Texas Medical Center-Denmark BioBridge Delegation. Copenhagen, Denmark. September 26-28, 2022 (weblink)
- Dr. Bacha presents: Pediatric Research Programs in Prevention of Chronic Disease. Institutional presentation at the South Goes North Texas Medical Center-Denmark Biobridge Event. September 27, 2022. Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Dr. Bacha invited to join the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism Case Reports 2022-2023 (W.F. Young, MD, Editor)
- Dr. Bacha. Invited Speaker at the Endocrine Society Meeting ENDO 2022: Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease among Young Adults. In Session entitled: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Adolescent Healthcare. June 11-14, 2022. Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
- Dr. Bacha. Invited Speaker at the American Diabetes Association's 82nd Scientific Sessions: Role and Management of Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Type 2 Diabetes. June 5, 2022. New Orleans, LA.
- Dr. Bacha serves as an Invited Member of the American Diabetes Association Youth Strategies Committee. 2021-2022
- Dr. Bacha serves on the editorial board of Diabetes Care (M. Riddle, MD, Editor; Impact factor 19).
- Dr. Bacha receives the Annual Faculty Educational Award for Excellence in Teaching Baylor Residents in Pediatric Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, June 2022
- Dr Bacha received an award from NIH/NIDDK (5U01DK061230-16) for her project entitled: Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and oxidation products (OPs) and the soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE): cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers in youth with type 2 diabetes.
