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Associate Professor
Advanced Pediatric Health Care Services
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Associate Professor
Community Health Sciences, The Institute for Molecular Pediatric Sciences
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Contact Information
773-702-4582 — Phone
773-834-2238 — Fax
dburnet@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Selected Publications
View a partial list of
Deborah Burnet’s publications through the National Library of Medicine's PubMed online database
Research Interests
We conduct research on obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes in youth. Traditionally considered an "adult" disease, type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent among children and adolescents as rates of obesity steadily rise. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are both disproportionately found among minority youth in the U.S. We have conducted focus groups with African-American children and families on Chicago's South Side to assess community habits and preferences regarding nutrition and exercise behaviors.We have used these insights to develop and implement REACH-OUT, a community-based, family oriented program to decrease overweight and risk of type-2 diabetes among African-American youth. This study follows outcomes for children and their parents, including body habitus, glucose tolerance, and nutrition and exercise behaviors. After piloting this program with 29 families, we have expanded and are working to recruit 160 families for a five year, randomized study of the REACH-OUT intervention, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Other research interests involve teaching cross-cultural skills to medical students, and exploring ways to partner community practices with the academic medical center to provide comprehensive primary care in surrounding communities.
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