Diabetes Study May Open Doors For New Treatment
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A new study for people with type two diabetes could lead to new treatments for the disease.
The camp-out is unlike any with subjects sleeping in a tent in the comfort of their own home.
"There's actually a lower prevalence of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes at higher altitudes," said Dr. Kara Marlatt at Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University's campus.
To simulate that higher altitude, Marlatt uses a special tent and machine that safely lowers the oxygen level. Participants will spend fourteen nights in there to see if there's an improvement in their insulin sensitivity.
"Our main goal for this study in particular is to learn more about novel ways to treat Type 2 Diabetes," said Marlatt.
Researchers from LSU bring the tent to the subjects' house so they use their own mattress. Sleeping does not feel any different, it's fine to leave the tent for a bathroom break. Results from the study could lead to new ways to control blood sugar.
"Some things that we could benefit from just doing while we sleep might improve outcomes for Type 2 Diabetes patients," said Marlatt.
There's another benefit besides better sugar control. Those who take part in the sleep diabetes study earn $350 in compensation.