ADVANCE (Accelerate Innovation in Diabetes LeVeraging Unique PAthways iN Asians Program)
Overview
Diabetes is a major global health concern, with Asians having emerged as a high-risk population for diabetes due to factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle changes, urbanization, and dietary habits. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Asia is home to more than 114 million adults with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 153 million by 2045. The prevalence of diabetes varies across Asian countries, but it is generally higher than in many other regions of the world. Asians also tend to develop diabetes at a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to other ethnic groups, which makes them more susceptible to complications such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and retinopathy.
To address the pressing issue of diabetes in Asians comprehensively, ADVANCE will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, education, and community outreach, focusing specifically on diabetes among Asians. We aim to foster collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and the community to tackle the challenges of diabetes in the Asian population head-on through three specific aims:
- Identify novel and subgroup-associated islet autoantigen and therapeutic targets for T1D to innovate potential cures.
- Investigate molecular mechanisms of T2D in normal-weight Asian individuals, focusing on genetic and metabolic pathways.
- Examine interactions between T1D and T2D in Asian populations to uncover shared or distinct disease mechanisms.
The ADVANCE program was officially launched in January 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in our commitment to advancing research in the field of Asian diabetes. We invite you to view a video recap of our Kickoff Meeting, which highlights the enthusiasm and collaborative spirit of our team.
In first year, we are proud to report that the program encompasses 9 labs, featuring 12 dedicated principal investigators and 3 lead postdoctoral researchers. Together, they are actively collaborating on 9 innovative projects designed to make significant strides in understanding and addressing diabetes within the Asian population. Our collective efforts aim to foster groundbreaking discoveries and contribute to the advancement of diabetes research, ultimately improving health outcomes for those affected by this condition.