Fetal Brain MRI to predict how children will develop if their mother has diabetes
Official title: Fetal Brain MRI as a Predictor of Early Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Pre-gestational and Gestational Diabetes
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11359222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses fetal brain imaging and related biomarkers to help identify early signs of neurodevelopmental issues in children born to mothers with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $660,968 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD122292-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359222 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Expectant mothers with diabetes (gestational, type 1, or type 2) and their children may be eligible for future diagnostic follow-up or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Families not affected by maternal diabetes may not directly benefit from this specific project.
What this research studies
If your child’s mother had gestational or pre-gestational diabetes, this research will look at placental and fetal brain signals to find markers that might predict later neurodevelopmental outcomes. The team will use MRI and proteomic measurements within Indiana University’s research framework to track brain development from the fetal period through early childhood. The goal is to identify non-invasive indicators that could lead to earlier support and therapies for children at risk of ASD, ADHD, or other developmental challenges. Results could guide future screening approaches and inform families about potential risks and early interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection and intervention for neurodevelopmental issues in children exposed to maternal diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: This area builds on a growing body of research linking maternal diabetes to child neurodevelopment, but rigorous prospective biomarkers are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Radhakrishnan, Rupa — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Radhakrishnan, Rupa
Related research
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Pancreatic beta cells, oxidative stress, and gestational diabetes
A study is exploring how oxidative stress and changes in pancreatic beta cells during pregnancy may contribute to gestational diabetes and future diabetes risk for both mother and baby.
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NDPP-MAP: A tailored online-hybrid program to reduce long-term health risks after pregnancy with gestational diabetes
A patient-friendly program adapts a proven diabetes prevention approach to help women who had gestational diabetes lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
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In Vivo Look at Placental Blood Flow in Gestational Diabetes
A non-invasive MRI study in pregnant people with gestational diabetes and those without will map how placental blood vessels work and relate to baby outcomes.
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.