Finding new ways to reduce heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes
Official title: Novel Targets for Reducing Atherosclerosis in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10991829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how insulin can help keep cholesterol and inflammation in check in the liver for people with type 1 diabetes, with the goal of finding new treatments to lower their risk of heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $624,822 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL161092-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 1 diabetes or those who do not have cardiovascular disease risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how insulin affects cholesterol and inflammation in the liver, particularly in individuals with type 1 diabetes who are at a higher risk for heart disease. The team aims to develop new drugs that can mimic the protective effects of insulin on the liver to help maintain healthy lipid levels and reduce inflammation. By studying a specific target in the liver, they hope to understand how restoring this target can prevent the progression of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to cardiovascular disease. The research involves both laboratory studies and animal models to test their hypotheses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly lower the risk of heart disease in patients with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways to reduce cardiovascular risks, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biddinger, Sudha B — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Biddinger, Sudha B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
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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.
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.