NIH-funded research R01 grant

Glycemic and Weight Loss Effects of Semaglutide in People with Spinal Cord Injury and Type 2 Diabetes

Official title: Glycemic and Weight Loss Effects of Semaglutide in Subjects After Spinal Cord Injury and Type 2 Diabetes

Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11345560 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether semaglutide can improve blood sugar control and help with weight loss in adults who have both spinal cord injury and type 2 diabetes.

More Diabetes research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Science Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$700,873
NIH project number5R01DK140144-03
Project IDNIH-11345560 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with spinal cord injury and type 2 diabetes who can safely receive GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients without diabetes or those who cannot tolerate GLP-1RA therapies may not benefit.

What this research studies

People with spinal cord injury often develop diabetes younger and more severely, with added risks from obesity and autonomic problems. The study will look at how semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, affects blood glucose tolerance, weight, and related metabolic factors in SCI patients with type 2 diabetes. Researchers will monitor safety, tolerability, and changes in pancreatic beta-cell function to understand potential benefits for this high-risk group. The trial builds on existing data showing GLP-1RAs improve glucose and weight in the general population but are underused in SCI patients. If successful, this work could guide personalized diabetes management for people living with SCI.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Participants could experience better blood sugar control and weight loss, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.

How similar studies have gone: GLP-1RA therapies have improved glycemic control and weight in general diabetes populations, but data in SCI patients are limited and exploratory.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Texas Hlth Science Center
    San Antonio, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Salehi, Marzieh — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
  • Study coordinator: Salehi, Marzieh

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.