Heart Health Study recruiting people with Type 2 Diabetes
Researchers from the University of Newcastle (UON) and John Hunter Hospital are looking for volunteers to take part in a clinical trial which will examine use of curcumin and/or omega-3 fats for lowering cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes.
Professor Manohar Garg, Dr Sham Acharya and Mr Rohith Thota are recruiting 80 individuals aged between 40-75 years with type 2 diabetes to take part in the trial which will last for six weeks.
People with type 2 diabetes have 2-4 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. They have higher levels of blood fats (triglycerides) and low levels of HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) than those without diabetes.
Currently, researchers understand that chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes is the underlying reason behind blockages in the blood vessels. Along with inflammation, increase in lipids such as triglycerides increases the risk of developing heart disease to a greater extent. Researchers also know that blood lipids and chronic inflammation are manageable risk factors among all the other risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease and a multidimensional approach may be ideal to efficiently target this multifaceted disease.
The trial aims to target both the triglycerides and inflammation using omega-3 fats and curcumin simultaneously. Curcumin will be delivered in tablet form and participants will be advised to get omega-3 fat from fish oil capsules. Participants will receive either curcumin or fish oil alone or both together.
Participants will need to take two capsules in the morning and evening with meals along with two 30 minute appointments either at the University of Newcastle or the John Hunter Hospital. The researchers will then take a range of measurements such as body composition, blood pressure and blood tests for lipids, glucose and inflammation.
At the end of the trial volunteers can receive a report on their body composition and blood reports similar to a free health check up.
To obtain more information regarding this study or enquire about your eligibility contact PhD Candidate Mr Rohith Thota at calforcvd2016@gmail.com or (02) 4921 5636.
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