AIMS
The overall goal of the LCMC is to support high quality type 2 translational research in diabetes across the
lifespan. The life course perspective focuses on biopsychosocial and behavioral processes that individuals
experience during particular periods in their life. It examines the intersection between social determinants
of
health and the biological processes that shape disease risk, which are fundamental to understand health
disparities.
Not only does the relative importance of specific factors vary across the lifespan, but exposures and
behaviors in
later life may mediate or moderate the effects of exposures and behaviors that occurred at younger ages.
Thus, to
optimally prevent the development of diabetes (primary prevention) and its sequelae (secondary and tertiary
prevention), interventions must be appropriately targeted to the specific life course stage and must
consider the
downstream effects of exposures acting earlier in life. By identifying targets for intervention relevant to
specific
life span periods, the life course approach facilitates interventions for diabetes prevention or control
within
vulnerable age groups. This approach can also enhance the translation of efficacious interventions by
ensuring that
intervention strategies are developmentally tailored and that they address associated individual or
environmental
barriers.
SERVICES PROVIDED
We provide consultations to facilitate identification of key elements for translating interventions across
the life
course:
- support for examining social determinants of health across the lifespan;
- enhanced support for utilization of mobile health technology for study assessments;
- consultation on the development of transition programs and other interventions to address health disparities among young adults with type 1 diabetes;
- consultation on theory-driven translational interventions for childhood overweight, e.g., physical activity, weight control and family intervention.
Resources
The LCMC collaborates with the Einstein Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) and other centers at Einstein to
provide
specific support for investigators.
Grant Acknowledgement
Users of Core Services are asked to acknowledge the support of the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and
Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) grant that supports our Center in their publications and presentations: P30
DK111022.