Benefits of Physical Activity
An important
contributing factor to the development of obesity, diabetes and
metabolic disorders is the trend to sedentary lifestyle. Regular
exercise is an important part of energy balance and provides numerous
benefits to physical and psychological health. Spontaneous physical
activity often declines with age, from childhood and into adulthood.
However current trends point to an increasing number of people that
perform very little moderate or vigorous physical activity. Our work in
this area involves measuring physical activity and energy expenditure
and measuring responses to nutrition and exercise programs.
Fetal & Childhood Origins of Obesity and Metabolic Disease
The
risk for obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease is
increased in children of low birth weight and those whose mother's have
DM. Although these conditions increase susceptibility to future
metabolic disease, the mechanisms involved are unclear. Examining the
effects of such perinatal stresses will define the steps that lead to
future cardiovascular and metabolic disease and eventually lead to
preventative measures.
Metabolic Disease in American Indians
Oklahoma
was federally recognized as "Indian Territory" prior to Oklahoma
statehood, and today remains the home to almost 40 Indian nations and
tribes. Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus affect American Indians
disproportionately, with almost half eventually developing diabetes and
suffering the high morbidity and mortality associated with the
condition. Because of this, attacking the problem in American Indian
Youth is an area of focus for our program. Since 2000, the Section of
Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology has partnered with American Indian nations and tribes
throughout the state for clinical services and research to combat this
burden of diabetes for American Indian communities. We strive to build
and maintain collaborative relationships with American Indians across
Oklahoma in order to better understand the pathological processes
involved and to prevent and treat diabetes, obesity, and related
metabolic diseases.