Lisa M. Troy uses the novel application of pattern analysis to examine diet and exercise on chronic disease prevention. She also studies how government programs and policies impact diet quality and public health outcomes. Toward accomplishing these goals, she developed the DGAI_2010, an index to measure adherence to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The DGAI_2010 has been used in epidemiologic studies to assess how a diet consistent with federal guidelines relates to chronic diseases of aging such as hip fracture, inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

As a Family Research Scholar, Dr. Troy developed a grant proposal entitled “How Diet and Exercise Improve Sleep: Implications for Diabetes and Heart Disease.” This research examined diet and exercise patterns in younger (18 to 30 year old) and older (50 to 80 year old) adults as these age groups may respond differently to diet and exercise given the physiology of aging. Poor sleep at all ages is a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. A better understanding of the ways to improve sleep through diet and exercise will contribute to chronic disease prevention.