Helping the body make its own glucagon to prevent low blood sugar
Targeting alpha-cell GPCRs to stimulate glucagon and counter hypoglycemia
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11143928
This project looks for new ways to help people with Type 1 Diabetes naturally produce more glucagon to prevent dangerously low blood sugar.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143928 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
For people with Type 1 Diabetes, managing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be challenging and sometimes dangerous. While current treatments use injected glucagon, this project explores a different approach: encouraging the body's own cells to release more glucagon. Researchers are focusing on specific cells in the pancreas, called alpha-cells, and how certain natural substances, like amino acids and a hormone called GIP, can work together to boost glucagon production. The goal is to understand the best ways to trigger this natural response, which could lead to safer and easier ways to manage hypoglycemia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Type 1 Diabetes who experience hypoglycemia and are interested in new ways to manage their blood sugar may eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without Type 1 Diabetes or those who do not experience hypoglycemia would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help people with Type 1 Diabetes prevent severe low blood sugar by stimulating their own bodies to produce glucagon.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of exogenous glucagon is established, this approach of synergistically stimulating endogenous glucagon with a combination of GIP and alanine is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EL, KIMBERLEY M — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: EL, KIMBERLEY M
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.