In healthy individuals, blood sugars are controlled by a hormone called insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. For people with type 2 diabetes, they can no longer produce or use enough insulin to control their blood sugars, which can lead to health complications such as nerve damage, sight loss, heart disease, kidney disease, anxiety, amputations, and even death.
Obesity has a profound impact on people living with diabetes. For people with type 2 diabetes who develop kidney disease, obesity can also be a major barrier to life-saving kidney transplantation. Canadian transplant programs exclude people living with obesity from accessing a new kidney, due to the possible risk of surgical complications.
People with diabetes, obesity and kidney disease face longer wait times for a transplant, and sometimes, never receive a new kidney.
Dr. Clemens and her team of diabetes, obesity, and kidney doctors, as well as nurses, dietitians, social scientists, and patient partners, are beginning a clinical trial to study the effectiveness of a weight management program for people with diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease.
This clinical trial will help reduce barriers to better health and quality of life for those living with type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Click here to learn more about this trial and see if you are eligible to participate. Sign in to access a handout on this study.
About the author
Kristin Clemens
Dr. Kristin Clemens is a clinician-scientist and endocrinologist at Western University and St. Joseph's Health Care London. Her multidisciplinary research focuses upon improving the care and outcomes of people with diabetes, complex comorbidities and health disparities.