Blood Sugar Swings and Brain Health in Young People with Type 1 Diabetes
Impact of Glucose Variability on Dynamic Cognitive Function in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes
This research explores how daily changes in blood sugar levels might affect thinking and learning abilities in children and teenagers living with Type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146647 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Type 1 diabetes is a common condition in childhood, and managing blood sugar can be challenging, often leading to frequent and rapid shifts between high and low levels. The brain relies heavily on glucose, making young people with Type 1 diabetes potentially vulnerable to these changes during crucial developmental periods. While past laboratory studies have shown a link between overall blood sugar control and cognitive scores, we still don't fully understand how typical daily blood sugar fluctuations affect thinking skills in real-life situations. This work aims to uncover how these moment-to-moment changes in glucose might influence dynamic cognitive abilities that vary throughout the day.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Young people with Type 1 diabetes who experience frequent changes in their blood sugar levels would be the focus of this kind of research.
Not a fit: Patients without Type 1 diabetes or those whose blood sugar levels are consistently stable may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this connection could lead to better ways to manage blood sugar and support brain health in young people with Type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have looked at long-term blood sugar control and cognition, this approach is novel in examining real-time, daily glucose fluctuations and their immediate effects on thinking.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Mary Katherine Osborn — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ray, Mary Katherine Osborn
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 below.