NIH-funded research R21 grant

How high blood sugar affects lung infections caused by bacteria

Official title: Impact of hyperglycemia on the pathogenesis of chronic bacterial lung infection

Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10849775 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how high blood sugar levels affect lung infections caused by a specific bacteria, which can make breathing problems worse, especially for people with diabetes, to help find better ways to treat these infections.

More Hyperglycemia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$223,417
NIH project number5R21AI174088-02
Project IDNIH-10849775 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults with muco-obstructive airway diseases who also have diabetes.

Less likely to help

Patients without chronic lung infections or those who do not have diabetes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of high blood sugar levels on chronic bacterial lung infections, particularly focusing on the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known to worsen conditions like muco-obstructive airway diseases. The study aims to understand how diabetes, a common condition among patients with these lung diseases, influences the bacteria's ability to survive and resist antibiotic treatment. By using advanced laboratory models, researchers will explore the relationship between hyperglycemia and bacterial behavior, potentially leading to new treatment strategies. Patients with chronic lung infections may find this research relevant as it seeks to uncover mechanisms that could improve their care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with chronic lung infections, particularly those with diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between diabetes and bacterial infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wolfgang, Matthew C — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • Study coordinator: Wolfgang, Matthew C

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.