Omics approach for personalised prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus for African and European Populations, OPTIMA

Research Project, 2022 – 2025

Purpose and goal
We aim to find predictors for the development of alterations in glucose metabolism in different ethnic groups including putative sex differences. This will be used in the development of preventive dietary modifications in European and sub-Saharan populations in a cost-efficient manner.

Expected results and effects
We aim to identify specific circulating proteins and metabolic intermediates that will guide us to develop cost-effective diet interventions in order to prevent type 2 diabetes in individuals with a high risk for this disease.

Planned approach and implementation
Biomarkers that may predict the development of alterations in glucose handling and type 2 diabetes are analysed in different cohorts from South Africa, Ghana and Sweden. This forms the basis of health economy analyses to find the most cost-efficient diet intervention. Semi-structured interviews with study participants with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as patient and health care organisations will guide the acceptability and feasibility of possible diet interventions.