What are you investigating and how?

In my PhD project, together with my supervisors, I examine risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among the couples enrolled in the Face-it study. I focus on how diet, physical activity, social support, and family dynamics play a role for these risks. I also investigate whether the woman’s partner experiences any effect on psychosocial mechanisms of behaviour change and on cardiometabolic markers from taking part in Face-it. The project draws on clinical measurements and self-reported questionnaires collected in Face-it: baseline data were obtained approximately 12 weeks after childbirth, and follow-up data one year postpartum.

 

What have you found so far?

The PhD work is still ongoing, but preliminary findings indicate that overweight, increased waist circumference, and metabolic syndrome co-occur within couples. We also find that if one partner has any of these three conditions, the other partner’s risk of having the same condition is elevated—regardless of gender.

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Results will be updated continuously. The aim is to provide new insights into what drives type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk at the family level and to inform more targeted and effective health interventions during the pivotal life stage surrounding pregnancy.

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Relevant links 

Research profile

Majken Lillholm Pico

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PhD supervisors

Helle Terkildsen Maindal, MPH, PhD
Department of Public Health, Aarhus University;
Department of Prevention, Health Promotion & Society, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen
Email: htm@ph.au.dk

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Karoline Kragelund Nielsen, MSc in Public Health, PhD
Department of Prevention, Health Promotion & Society, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen
Email: karoline.kragelund.nielsen@regionh.dk

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Louise Groth Grunnet, MSc in Biology, PhD
Department of Clinical and Translational Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen
Email: louise.groth.grunnet.02@regionh.dk

 

University affiliation

Aarhus University

 

Funding​

The PhD project is funded by:

• Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (Grant NNF22SA0079901)

• Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen

• Aarhus University

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