How glycerol affects glucose and fat metabolism in the body
Official title: Glycerol Regulation of Gluconeogenesis and Fatty Acid Metabolism
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11098639 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how glycerol affects the way our bodies produce sugar and process fat, especially in men and women, to help us understand more about diabetes and improve health management for everyone, particularly women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $463,943 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129919-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098639 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with adult-onset diabetes, especially those experiencing issues related to glucose and fat metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or those not experiencing metabolic issues related to glycerol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glycerol in regulating glucose production and fat metabolism, particularly focusing on differences between sexes. The study aims to understand how glycerol metabolism influences gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis in the liver, using advanced techniques like 13C tracing and flux analyses. By examining these processes, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that contribute to diabetes, especially in women, who are less affected by certain forms of the disease. The findings could lead to new insights into metabolic health and diabetes management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for diabetes and better understanding of metabolic health, particularly for women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic pathways related to glycerol, but this specific approach focusing on sex differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wondisford, Fredric E. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Wondisford, Fredric E.
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.