Glucose Metabolism in Sickle Cell Disease

Study Summary

The purpose of the study is to better understand how the body handles sugars glucose and fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides in sickle cell disease, and what puts certain persons at risk to develop diabetes. This understanding may help us to find new treatments to control blood sugar and prevent diabetes in people with and without sickle cell disease (SCD). In this research, DNA and RNA will be isolated from blood cells. DNA will be used to find genes that cause or protect from diabetes, high cholesterol and high triglyceride, and RNA will be used for studies designed to find out how genes are doing their job of eventually producing proteins.

Primary Outcome

The investigator will use the ATP III guidelines for definition of metabolic syndrome. A combination of any three of the following criteria will lead to the designation of metabolic syndrome: * waist circumference \>102 cm (men) or \>88 cm (women) * triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL * HDL cholesterol \<40 mg/dL (men) or \<50 mg/dL (women) * blood pressure ≥130/≥85 mg/dL (or recorded diagnosis of hypertension and use of antihypertensives) * fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL (or diagnosis of diabetes and use of

Conditions Studied

Study Locations (1)