Project summary
People of Black African and Caribbean descent are more than three times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as White European populations. Research also shows that the way the condition develops can differ between different ethnic groups.
Dr Gráinne Whelehan will investigate why by looking at differences in how quickly insulin is cleared from the blood and whether diet can influence this. Understanding this process could help to tailor care and improve type 2 prevention and management for people in Black African and Caribbean communities.
Background to research
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not use insulin properly or cannot produce enough to keep blood sugar levels under control. The condition is more common in people from Black African and Caribbean backgrounds than in White European populations, and research suggests it may develop in slightly different ways between these communities.
Researchers are still working to understand why this happens. Dr Gráinne Whelehan’s previous research suggests that differences in how the body processes insulin play an important role in why type 2 develops differently – and more often – in people of different ethnicities.
In particular, insulin appears to be cleared more slowly from the blood, meaning it remains in the body for longer, in Black African and Caribbean people compared to White populations. Although insulin is essential for controlling blood sugar levels, continuous high insulin levels over time may reduce the body’s responsiveness to insulin. This reduced sensitivity could contribute to the higher risk of type 2 diabetes in these communities.
But we don’t yet understand why insulin is not cleared as quickly in people of Black African-Caribbean ethnicity. One idea is that it might be linked to a hormone called glucagon, which rises after eating protein.
Research aims
Dr Gráinne Whelehan is investigating the causes of slower insulin clearance in Black African and Caribbean adults with type 2 diabetes, and whether dietary changes could help to speed it up.
Dr Whelehan and team will run a small study with adults from Black African and Caribbean backgrounds living with type 2. Participants will attend three study sessions. At each visit they’ll be given a breakfast meal with different amounts of protein.
During each session, the team will take blood samples to measure blood sugar, glucagon and insulin levels. This will help them to understand how glucagon affects insulin clearance in this community, and if changing the amount of protein we eat could influence this.
Potential benefit to people with diabetes
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t look the same for everyone. What we learn from this research could help us better understand type 2 in Black African and Caribbean communities. And in turn shape more personalised, culturally relevant care, including through new dietary approaches that support people to better manage their type 2 or reduce their risk of it.
Over time, it could help move diabetes care away from a one‑size‑fits‑all approach and towards support that better meets the needs of diverse communities.
