How maternal insulin levels affect the metabolic health of offspring
Placental Insulin Signaling and mTOR Nutrient-Sensing Programming of Offspring Metabolic Health
This study looks at how high insulin levels in pregnant women might affect their children's long-term health, especially their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and it aims to find ways to help families who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11049180 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal insulin levels during pregnancy on the long-term metabolic health of their children. It focuses on understanding how hyperinsulinemia, a condition where there is excess insulin in the blood, can influence the development of Type 2 diabetes in offspring. The study examines the role of the placenta in mediating these effects, particularly how maternal insulin may alter nutrient delivery to the fetus and program metabolic disease. By analyzing both genetic and environmental factors, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to preventive strategies for at-risk populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with conditions such as prediabetes, obesity, or gestational diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a history of insulin-related metabolic conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in children born to mothers with high insulin levels during pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between maternal health and offspring metabolic outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alejandro, Emilyn — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Alejandro, Emilyn
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.