Alpha cells, obesity, weight loss, and blood sugar control
Official title: The role of the alpha-cell in the effects of obesity and weight loss on glucose regulation
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11425782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how alpha cells (parts of the pancreas) affect blood sugar during obesity and after weight loss, to help people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $782,890 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK148505-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425782 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose regulation who may participate in studies examining pancreatic hormone dynamics.
✕Less likely to help
People without obesity-related diabetes or without involvement in pancreatic hormone research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
In people with obesity and insulin resistance, alpha cells produce more glucagon, which can raise blood sugar. The research also explores how alpha cells communicate with beta cells to influence insulin release after meals. By studying obesity and weight loss through bariatric surgery, the project aims to understand why glucose control improves with weight loss and how alpha-cell behavior changes. The findings could point to new ways to manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better strategies to control blood sugar for people with obesity-related diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data in humans and mice suggest alpha-cell changes influence glucose regulation, but the balance between hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic roles remains to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cummings, Bethany Paige — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Cummings, Bethany Paige
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.