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Creating new
knowledge
Exploring new avenues to develop tomorrow’s medical knowledge through an approach that integrates basic and clinical research
Our research units are led by principal investigators who collaborate in a spirit of collegiality and with the vision of bridging the gap between research and patients. They train the next generation of scientists and are independent and creative minds who work tirelessly to improve health.
Current research
Metabolic Diseases
The Metabolic Diseases Research Unit conducts research projects on diabetes. The different research projects carried out focus on type 1 diabetes and cystic fibrosis related diabetes. Some of our projects also address type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 10% of all cases and is usually diagnosed during childhood. Type 1 diabetes is generally treated by intensive insulin therapy using multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump. Despite available treatments, more than 60% of patients with type 1 diabetes do not achieve recommended glycemic (blood sugar) targets. Wide variations in sugar concentrations are observed and can lead to serious complications due to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar: damage to eyes, kidney and nerves) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar: malaise and loss of consciousness).
The life expectancy of people with cystic fibrosis improves regularly. New major complications, such as cystic fibrosis related diabetes (high blood glucose levels), have emerged. The causes of cystic fibrosis related diabetes are not well established. The laboratory is attempting to shed light on the mechanisms involved in the development of cystic fibrosis related diabetes as well as on the association between high blood glucose levels and changes in weight and pulmonary function. The team also study various strategies to prevent or delay the development of cystic fibrosis related diabetes and its complications.
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Ongoing Projects
Comparison of artificial pancreas systems
The artificial pancreas allows the insulin pump to adjust insulin doses to sugar levels in order to reduce hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia events. In Canada, three types of artificial pancreas systems are available: two models commercialized by the industry (Medtronic 660G/770G and Tandem Control-IQ) and two models developed by groups of patients (Loop and AndroidAPS). The research team is comparing commercial and patient-developed artificial pancreas systems in terms of glycemic control, security and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes and Hypoglycemia
The objective of this series of studies is to learn more about the consequences of hypoglycemia, especially on the heart, and to assess the amount of carbohydrate needed to prevent hypoglycemia. In addition, the team is also studying the effectiveness of an educational program combined with high-intensity interval training in improving the perception of hypoglycemia symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes and exercise: strategies to reduce hypoglycemia
The objective of this series of studies is to identify the best strategies to prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia. For example, members of the team want to identify the most appropriate time to reduce the basal insulin dose before exercise, the degree of reduction of the basal insulin dose during exercise, the time to resume the usual basal insulin dose, the type of snack to be taken before exercise, the prevention of hypoglycemia after exercise, etc.
The BETTER research program
The BETTER research program is for people living with type 1 diabetes. This program consists of:
- A registry (sort of census) open to all people living with type 1 diabetes in Canada and with the objective of measuring the frequency and severity of hypoglycemia episodes. Participants are invited to respond on an annual basis to questionnaires on the frequency of their hypoglycemia, their fear about hypoglycemia, their perception of hypoglycemia symptoms, and the factors involved (insulin therapy, nutrition, exercise, etc.).
- The online platform SUPPORT is accessible for participants of the registry. It offers personalized information according to treatment (syringes/pen or insulin pump) and the way blood sugar is measured (capillary or continuous glucose meter). SUPPORT aims to make management of type 1 diabetes easier.
Cystic fibrosis related diabetes
The laboratory is attempting to shed light on the mechanisms involved in the development of cystic fibrosis related diabetes as well as on the association between high blood glucose levels and changes in weight and pulmonary function. Members of the team have reported benefits of physical activity on blood sugar levels and are now studying the impact of a protein snack eaten alone or combined with exercise on the increase in sugar levels after a meal. We are also studying ways to simplify the diagnosis of this form of diabetes.
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