# Young Adult with Type 1 Diabetes’ Discrimination Stress and Cardiovascular Health

> **NIH NIH F31** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $48,974

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This research aligns with the National Institute of Nursing Research’s (NINR) strategic plan to conduct research
through the lens of health equity and social determinants of health (SDOH) to inform practice for community
health. Even though it is well-established that type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an independent risk factor for
cardiovascular disease, there is substantial variability in risk and life expectancy across differing cardiovascular
health (CVH) factors and behaviors, in those identifying as a racial or ethnic minority (referred to herein as
“people of color”), and among individuals living in socially vulnerable areas. Ideal CVH includes 4 health
behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep duration) and 4 health factors (body mass index,
glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and blood pressure [BP]) at optimal levels. Ideal CVH is
associated with greater cardiovascular disease-free survival, longevity, and higher quality of life. Disparities in
CVH and CVH outcomes among individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have evolved from social inequality.
The goal of this F31 project and training plan is to develop expertise in the social and environmental determinants
of cardiovascular health equity and disparities. The purpose of this F31 training plan and proposed descriptive
study is to examine the associations among social and environmental determinants of CVH equity as well as
describe the lived experience of discrimination stress among young adults aged 18-31 years with T1D at
University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. In aim 1, we will examine the
association between social vulnerability and perceived discrimination stress (a path); 1a. perceived
discrimination stress and cardiovascular health (b path); 1b. social vulnerability and cardiovascular health (c
path); 1c. the role of perceived discrimination stress as a mediator; and 1d multiple oppressed identities in these
associations among 125 young adults ages 18-31 years with type 1 diabetes living in Ohio. In aim 2, we will
describe the lived experiences of perceived discrimination among 15-22 young adults with type 1 diabetes
residing in Ohio. We will prospectively enroll adults with T1D from University Hospitals a large regional healthcare
system in Ohio. Our central hypothesis is that higher individual- and area-level social vulnerability and
discrimination stress are associated with lower cardiovascular health among young adults with T1D. These novel
mechanisms may serve as key targets to reduce preventable health disparities and improve overall health in this
high-risk group where such clinical gains might otherwise be difficult to achieve.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10995920
- **Project number:** 1F31NR021236-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Quiana Howard
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $48,974
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10995920

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10995920, Young Adult with Type 1 Diabetes’ Discrimination Stress and Cardiovascular Health (1F31NR021236-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10995920. Licensed CC0.

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