Glycemic control and frailty risk in older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes: how local heat therapy may help
Official title: Glycemic control and frailty risk in older people at risk for type 2 diabetes: Impact of local heat therapy
Funded at Texas Tech University · NIH-11385312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aging adults at risk for type 2 diabetes may benefit from a local heat therapy approach to improve blood sugar control and reduce frailty risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $692,802 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084597-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who are at risk for type 2 diabetes and have or are at risk for frailty.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without prediabetes risk or frailty concerns may not experience direct benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
This project explores how applying local heat therapy could improve how the body uses insulin and supports muscle health in older adults who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. By focusing on skeletal muscle quality, capillarization, and mitochondrial function, the study aims to find a practical intervention that complements exercise. The research builds on existing knowledge about frailty, diabetes risk, and how heat exposure might influence glucose metabolism and muscle mass in seniors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a simple, non-drug option to help older adults maintain muscle function and glycemic control, potentially lowering frailty and diabetes risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests exercise and metabolic interventions can improve muscle function and glycemic control, but the specific heat therapy approach in prediabetic older adults is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luk, Hui Ying — Texas Tech University
- Study coordinator: Luk, Hui Ying
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Local heat therapy to improve blood sugar control and reduce frailty risk in older adults with prediabetes
This project tests whether applying local heat to muscles can help older adults with prediabetes improve blood sugar control and reduce muscle weakness linked to frailty.
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Impact of local heat therapy on glycemic control and frailty in older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes
This study is looking at how using local heat therapy can help older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes feel stronger and healthier, especially by improving their muscle health and blood sugar control, and it may include some fun, quick exercise sessions too!
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Weight Loss, Bone Health, and Fracture Risk in Type 2 Diabetes
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Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
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Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why some older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes develop memory problems or dementia.
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.