This study aims to evaluate the effect of a dietary fiber supplement and metformin alone and in combination over 12 months on metabolism and inflammation through changes in the composition and function of the gut microbes in adolescents with obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Primary Endpoint: Change in IR (HOMA-IR) between baseline, 6, and 12 months.
Secondary Endpoints: Changes between baseline, 6, and 12 months in: a) fecal microbiome composition; b) whole metagenomic sequencing; c) intestinal barrier function; d) fecal SCFAs/bile acids; e) targeted metabolomics; f) body weight, BMI percentile and z-score and body composition; g) metabolic markers (fasting glucose, lipids, OGTT); h) hunger and satiety; i) quality of life; j) hormones and inflammatory markers.
Research experience with human participants (preferably pediatrics), dietary intake assessment, stool sample collection and gut microbiota analysis is preferred.
This position is open for a MSc or PhD student.
