Background
Diabetes affects approximately 6-8% of the general population in the U.S. at a cost of over $130 billion annually. Diabetic nephropathy, a kidney condition related to diabetes, represents approximately 40% of new cases of end stage renal failure. There is considerable racial/ethnic variability in the condition. Hispanic/Latino patients are two to four times more likely to suffer complications. It is essential to examine the prevalence of the genetic makeup related to diabetic nephropathy to determine if it is contributing to a high incidence of complications. The Hispanic/Latino population might benefit by receiving more targeted interventions and drug therapy that could save health care dollars and reduce patient suffering.
Objectives
- Determine if a specific genetic (DD genotype) makeup occurs more in Hispanic/Latino patients
- Examine if the same genetic makeup leads to an increased severity of diabetic nephropathy
- Explore whether the Hispanic/Latino patients are at higher risk for kidney complications as a result of diabetes
Timeline
October 2007-October 2008
Population
This pilot project will enroll Hispanic/Latino and Caucasian individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from an Aurora Health Care Family Care Practice. The study includes both English speakers and non-English speakers.
Funding Source
The Wisconsin Network for Health Research (WiNHR) is sponsoring the study. WiNHR is a network of researchers interested in improving the health of Wisconsin through research.
Partners
- University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
- Gunderson Lutheran Medical Foundation
- Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
- Aurora Health Care, Center for Urban Population Health
Local Investigators and Staff
Aurora UW Medical Group
- Jake Bidwell, M.D.
- Dennis Baumgardner, M.D.
- John Brill, M.D., M.P.H.
- Rebecca Schultz, R.N., F.N.P.
Center for Urban Population Health
- Jennifer Evertsen, M.S.
- Melissa Lemke, B.A.
