How COVID-19 affects fat tissue and blood sugar control
Assessing the Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Adipose Tissue Function and Glucose Homeostasis
Researchers are checking how COVID-19 changes fat tissue and blood sugar control in people with and without obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11345634 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows findings that SARS-CoV-2 can infect fat cells and that people with COVID-19 often have high blood sugar due to insulin resistance. The team will use patient tissue samples alongside mouse and hamster models to map how the virus interacts with adipose tissue at the molecular level. They will measure hormones like adiponectin and track glucose regulation during acute infection and after recovery. The goal is to understand whether and how COVID-19 causes lasting problems with blood sugar control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who had COVID-19, including those with obesity or pre-existing diabetes, could be candidates for follow-up studies or tissue donation.
Not a fit: People who never had SARS-CoV-2 infection or whose diabetes has a clear noninfectious cause may not benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to protect fat tissue and prevent or treat COVID-related blood sugar problems.
How similar studies have performed: Prior autopsy and animal studies already show virus in fat tissue and links to insulin resistance, but the long-term human effects are not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lo, James C — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Lo, James C
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.