Shu Xiao
Vanderbilt University Medical School, USA
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Diabetes Metab
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an increasing global health challenge and a potential threat to economic growth, particularly in developing countries. East Asians are known to have higher insulin sensitivity but a much lower insulin response than Caucasians or Africans. For example, Chinese develop diabetes at a relatively lower body mass index (BMI) and younger age than their western counterparts. Thus, understanding the biological mechanism(s) in T2D pathogenesis and identifying highrisk populations are of critical importance in curtailing the growing burden of diabetes in Asian countries and worldwide. Over the last decade, we have conducted a series of studies on T2D, applying nutritional, genetic and molecular epidemiological approaches to investigate the contribution of genetics, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors in the development of T2D. We have identified genetic susceptibility markers, metabolites and dietary factors that are associated with the risk of developing diabetes. In addition, we have launched a new research initiative to investigate the role of the microbiome in diabetes risk. Much of our research has been based on two large population-based cohort studies, the Shanghai Womenâ??s Health Study and the Shanghai Menâ??s Health Study.
Email: xiao-ou.shu@Vanderbilt.Edu
