Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Research
Burden of disease
The life-changing impact of clinical trials for complex conditions For as long as she can remember, even before the age of 10, Emma Mac struggled with her weight. A number of challenging health conditions followed, but a clinical trial led by Kolling researchers has offered hope and greatly improved her life. Emma was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, pre-diabetes and insulin resistance in her late teens – conditions which would take their toll. “For the vast majority of my life I was morbidly obese, well over 100 kilograms from the age of 18,” Emma said. “In my adult years, it became apparent I had fertility issues as well, and I developed many painful kidney stones which required hospitalisation and emergency care.” “These conditions have had a significant impact on my life, from being unable to conceive to being restricted physically in terms of movement and the experiences I could have. I found it difficult to find clothes, I needed afternoon naps to gain more energy, and I experienced self-esteem and confidence issues.” Over the years, Emma received support from numerous general practitioners, specialists including endocrinologists and kidney specialists, and over the last two years, she joined a clinical trial based at Royal North Shore Hospital, and led by endocrinologist and Kolling researcher Professor Sarah Glastras. The trial assessed whether a medication could not only support weight reduction but could preserve and increase muscle mass as well. “During the trial, I received professional and expert support in every aspect,” she said.
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting 9% of all deaths
Cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, is the third top cause of death in Australia
More than 300 Australians develop diabetes (a metabolic disorder) every day and 120,000 have developed diabetes in the last year
Diabetes contributes to 11% of all deaths in Australia
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians
The burden of chronic kidney disease (or renal disease) is growing in Australia: it affects 1% of all Australians, and one in 20 people aged over 75 years.
18 Kolling Institute Health Research Strategy 2026-2030
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