Research Updates: Dr. Andrea Haqq

Dr. Andrea Haqq is a practicing Pediatric Endocrinologist at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, a Professor of Pediatrics, and an Adjunct Professor of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Alberta. She completed her MD at the University of Calgary and then specialized in pediatric endocrinology. In 2009, Dr. Haqq relocated to Edmonton.[1]

The Research:

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for approximately 90% of all diabetes. T2D occurs when the body is insulin resistant: either it does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it does make properly. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, however, T2D is preventable and possibly reversible. Unfortunately, T2D among children has been on the rise globally in the past decade, and if left unchecked, it results in lifelong complications and an increasing burden on our healthcare system. Further, Dr. Haqq has observed that the T2D seen in youth is more aggressive than the T2D seen in adults.[2] This observation means Dr. Haqq's prevention work and personalized treatment options are more important than ever.

The Haqq team is trying to reverse insulin resistance in children and prevent the onset of T2D. Her team has discovered that combining Metformin, a common medication prescribed to adults with T2D, with dietary fiber can alter the gut microbiome and reprogram it to improve insulin sensitivity. If successful, Dr. Haqq's Metformin/fiber combination will dramatically improve the ability to reduce obesity and prevent type 2 diabetes in the pediatric population.

This clinical trial is the first to use this specific combination therapy in children and adolescents.

The ethics board and Health Canada have approved Dr. Haqq and her team to begin their pilot study. They are currently in the process of finding 30 patients to participate.

If you are interested in participating in Dr. Haqq's research, don't hesitate to get in touch with her lab at metfiber@ualberta.ca for more information.

[1] “Andrea Haqq, MD, MHS, FRCP(C), FAAP,” University of Alberta: Directory, https://apps.ualberta.ca/directory/person/haqq

[2] Matthew Black, “U of A Researchers hop new treatment can help children battle diabetes,” Edmonton Journal, May 03, 2022, https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/u-of-a-researchers-hope-new-treatment-can-help-children-battle-diabetes