My research spans both type 1 and type 2 childhood diabetes.
The first aspect of my research relates to the prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its associated co-morbidities in youth with mental health conditions treated with atypical antipsychotic (AAP) medications. Since 2006, we have performed foundational research on AAPs and their metabolic sequelae in children / youth, established key partnerships and a platform for ongoing research, and created and implemented Canada’s first (and so far only) pediatric Provincial Mental Health Meta-bolic Program.
At the request of remote First Nations communities in BC, I have conducted diabetes screening and found high prevalence of pre-diabetes in youth residing in the region. This led to the program development of a modified, culturally appropriate Actions Schools! BC and Healthy Buddies program for implementation at three Tsimshian communities.
Further, in collaboration with Drs. Jean-Pierre Chanoine and Louise Masse, I led the evaluation of the Shapedown program at BC Children's Hospital. Shapdown is a multi-disciplinary, well-defined weight treatment/management program for children and adolescents with a family-focused intervention. I led the evaluation of this program’s effect on BMI, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and examined its effect on changes in psychological outcomes, nutrition, and physical activity.
In the realm of type 1 diabetes (T1D), I am the Clinical Core Leader within the CIHR New Emerging Team in Childhood Autoimmunity. Immune white cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells protect us from infections by killing infected cells. Conversely, defects in their function or regulation lead to autoimmune diseases such as T1D. I collaborate with Dr. Rusung Tan in trying to understand the defects in these cells in order to develop new therapies and prevention strategies for this disease. In addition I am the regional site lead and Vancouver Affiliate PI for TrialNET, an international, multi-centre network dedicated to the study, prevention and treatment of T1D.