Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, Diabetes, and Chronic Kidney Disease in Military Populations (R01)

PURPOSE

The intent of this FOA is to encourage research on prevention and treatment of obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease in military personnel and their families. Research in response to this FOA can include active duty, retirees, and/or their dependents/family members.  Former active duty members with only Veterans Administration benefits, while an important population for study, are not the focus of this FOA. The unique characteristics of the military healthcare system and of military bases provide a rich environment for testing interventions and tracking outcomes. 

Relevant areas of research include but are not limited to:

1) Translational research, testing or comparing potentially sustainable adaptations of evidence based interventions to prevent diabetes such as the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention;

2) Prevention of gestational diabetes and post-partum follow-up in women with a history of gestational diabetes reducing progression to type 2 diabetes in post-gestational diabetes mothers;

3) Interventions to control weight gain during pre-conception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, including measurement of maternal and fetal body composition and metabolic outcomes;

4) Testing weight management approaches (prevention, treatment, and maintenance of weight loss) in active duty military personnel and/or their families; including translation of evidence based approaches to real world settings and populations;

5) Testing weight management approaches to prevent weight gain immediately following retirement from active duty; particularly in individuals at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes;

6) Testing the efficacy of environmental interventions on military base to enhance healthful eating and physical activity (e.g. interventions targeting commissaries, convenience stores, recreation centers, base day cares or schools, etc);

7) Translational research utilizing unique aspects of the military healthcare system to identify and improve outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

As applicable, investigators should address the following in their applications:

• Provide evidence that the research team has the experience and expertise to conduct the research study.
• Provide evidence of military commitment to the research proposed (e.g., base leadership and key personnel support) and feasibility of the research given the operations tempo and personnel demands/turnover in a military setting. 

Collaborations between academic and DoD researchers are encouraged, where appropriate. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact NIH staff to discuss the applications process.

Link to PA: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-12-048.html