Diabetes has become a major contributor to mortality of women and their families in the United States and globally. One of those studies focuses on Hispanic women who have a history of gestational diabetes and who are at high risk for developing Type-2 diabetes. The ORWH is supporting a prevention study designed to assist young Native American women to modify their risk factors for diabetes through culturally appropriate interventions. With support from the ORWH, researchers are also investigating the basic molecular mechanisms that play a role in the prevention and treatment of Type-1 diabetes, which is found primarily in children. The ORWH is also supporting one of a number of studies to examine the effects of hormone replacement therapy on cognition.
Autoimmunity is a priority research area for women.
Recent findings about the immune system have already been translated into improved diagnostics and developing therapeutics. As a result of research on cytokine regulation of the immune response, the treatment of multiple sclerosis may be enhanced by the introduction of potential new drug therapies. Research has increased our understanding of genetic etiologies and their potential links to Alzheimer's disease and other conditions that may affect the preservation of mental and physical capacities in the elderly, the majority of whom are women. Research during the past decade has increased our understanding of the connections between health behaviors early in life and health status in the elderly years. For example, adequate calcium intake and physical exercise in girls and adolescents can prevent or delay osteoporosis later in life.