A Major Award for Researcher May Faraj
The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is proud to announce that researcher Dr. May Faraj, Director of the IRCM Nutrition, Lipoproteins and Cardiometabolic Diseases Research Unit, and Full Professor at the Université de Montréal, received $450,000 in funding from Diabetes Canada to lead a large scale clinical trial on the prevention of type 2 diabetes in individuals living with obesity.
Her project, titled “Role of EPA and DHA as tailored therapy for people living with obesity and high risk for Type 2 Diabetes (END T2D): a randomized controlled trial”, will rigorously compare the effects of two omega 3 fatty acids—EPA and DHA—as personalized therapeutic strategies to reduce the risk of progression toward type 2 diabetes.
Strategic Funding Over Three Years
Diabetes Canada will support this research program as follow:
- $150,000 for Year 1
- $150,000 for Year 2
- $150,000 for Year 3
This funding will enable Dr. Faraj’s team to conduct a high quality randomized clinical trial. The team will recruit participants at elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to a higher number of particles carrying “bad cholesterol” (apoB) in their blood. The study will also deepen scientific understanding of the distinct roles of EPA and DHA in metabolism, inflammation, and cardiometabolic health.
A Major Public Health Issue
Type 2 diabetes affects a growing number of Canadians. People living with obesity are at particularly high risk, yet the biological mechanisms that drive this progression remain complex. Dr. Faraj’s research aims to pave the way for targeted nutritional interventions based on individual metabolic signatures.
“This study has the potential to transform our approach to preventing type 2 diabetes by offering truly personalized strategies,” says Dr. Faraj.
“We are grateful to Diabetes Canada for their trust and their support for innovative clinical research.”
