Astrocyte controls brain blood flow during low blood sugar
Official title: Astrocyte regulation of cerebral blood flow during hypoglycemia
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11362532 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how certain brain support cells (astrocytes) help increase blood flow in the brain when blood sugar drops, using mouse models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,573 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126166-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362532 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is conducted in mice to understand human brain responses; future therapies could help people with diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits are not guaranteed in this animal study.
What this research studies
If insulin causes low blood sugar, the brain’s blood vessels should widen to keep it supplied with oxygen and nutrients. This project follows how astrocytes respond with calcium signals and how that relates to vessel widening as glucose decreases. By comparing normal mice and mice with impaired astrocyte signaling, researchers aim to map the chain from low glucose to vessel responses. They will also explore how adenosine and related molecules released by astrocytes help dilate vessels during hypoglycemia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this mechanism could lead to strategies that protect the brain from damage during severe low blood sugar.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows astrocytes influence blood flow in the brain, supporting the plausibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newman, Eric a — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Newman, Eric a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
-
Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
-
Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
-
Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
-
Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
This study will look at adults with type 1 diabetes to see how their awareness of low blood sugar evolves over time and whether automated insulin delivery and high-intensity exercise can help restore that awareness.
-
Glucagon Pump Therapy for PBH in People After Bariatric Surgery
A new approach uses a patch pump and smart control to deliver glucagon during meal-related lows in adults who had bariatric surgery and developed dangerous hypoglycemia.
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.