Genome BC Funding Supports Groundbreaking Personalized Nutrition Research for Type 2 Diabetes

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition (IPTN) is pleased to be collaborating with researchers at the University of British Columbia on a new Genome BC-funded project focused on advancing precision nutrition approaches for type 2 diabetes. The research aims to uncover how an individual's genetics influence insulin production in response to different macronutrients, paving the way for more personalized and effective dietary recommendations.

Type 2 diabetes and other chronic metabolic conditions affect millions of Canadians. While dietary interventions can improve metabolic health and, in some cases, put type 2 diabetes into remission, people often respond differently to the same nutritional strategies. Understanding why these differences occur is one of the central challenges in personalized nutrition.

Led by Dr. James Johnson of the University of British Columbia in partnership with the IPTN, the project will investigate genes that influence insulin production in response to the three major macronutrient classes: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. By identifying the genetic factors that contribute to individual nutrient responses, the research team hopes to generate new insights that can support more precise nutrition recommendations and improve outcomes for people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes.

“We are very excited for this new funding from Genome BC, which will help us understand the genetics of how individuals produce insulin in response to nutrient composition. Ultimately, we hope to work with the IPTN to co-develop a genetic test that will predict how people will respond to diets with different carbohydrate compositions.” - Dr. James Johnson, University of British Columbia

The long-term vision of the project is to translate these discoveries into practical tools that clinicians, dietitians, and patients can use to make more informed nutrition decisions. A predictive genetic test could help identify which dietary approaches are most likely to support healthy insulin responses in a given individual and will be of particular importance in those patients who do not respond to a nutritional approach as expected.

“This project represents an important milestone in our efforts to develop scientifically validated tools that can help personalize nutrition recommendations for individuals at risk of, or living with, type 2 diabetes. By combining leading-edge genomic research with IPTN's expertise in therapeutic nutrition, we have an opportunity to transform how dietary interventions are developed and delivered. We are excited to work alongside Dr. Johnson and the research team to advance knowledge that could ultimately improve health outcomes for Canadians and support a more personalized approach to chronic disease prevention and management.”

- Sean McKelvey, CEO, Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition

With support from Genome BC and the combined expertise of academic and industry partners, this research will help strengthen the evidence base for precision nutrition and move the field closer to delivering personalized dietary strategies that are accessible, effective, and grounded in genetics.

View the announcement by GenomeBC here