Diabetes and Heart Disease

Human circulatory systemThe University of Toronto has tremendous depth and breadth in basic and clinical cardiovascular research as it pertains to diabetes, with a number of BBDC-affiliated researchers interested in the intersection of these two diseases. Through funding opportunities the BBDC, U of T Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and University of Toronto Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Centres of Excellence collaborate to connect multiple scientists and institutions from diverse disciplines/technology platforms to address the most challenging research questions in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular complications of diabetes. This goal of this initiative is to promote a Toronto-based, cross-site, clinical research collaboration. The initial focus is on clinical trials in the following high impact research areas: diastolic heart failure, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and inflammatory biomarkers/novel compounds.

Activities

  • The BBDC and the Heart & Stroke/Richard Lewar Centres of Excellence in conjunction with the Vice-Dean of Research and International Relations, Temerty Faculty of Medicine established the Pilot and Feasibility Grant in Cardiovascular and Diabetes funding program. Grants of up to $250,000 have been provided to eligible investigators to explore new research initiatives focusing on the interaction between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For more information on this funding program, see the Heart & Stroke/Richard Lewar Centres of Excellence in Cardiovascular Research website.