Background
Diabetes affects approximately 6-8% of the general population in the U.S. at a cost of over $130 billion annually. In Milwaukee County, there is an estimated 49,400 people (7.2%) diagnosed with diabetes and an additional 20,980 (3.1%) who remain undiagnosed. 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 - December 2010
Population
This pilot project will enroll 15 Hispanic/Latino and 15 Caucasian individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from Aurora Health Care Family Care Practice clinics. The study includes both English speakers and non-English speakers.
Funding Source
Wisconsin Network for Health Research
Institutional Partners
University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
Gundersen 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.
Jennifer Kroll, B.A.
Ruth Perez, B.A.
Amanda Joyce, B.S.
To learn more, contact:
Jennifer Evertsen
(414) 219-5594
jennifer.evertsen@aurora.org
1. National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Lions Foundation. The 2008 Burden of Diabetes in Wisconsin. January 2008.
