How Type 1 Diabetes Affects Brain Development and Thinking Skills
Diabetes Brain and Cognitive Development-Type 1 (DBCD-T1)
This project aims to understand how type 1 diabetes affects brain development and thinking abilities throughout a person's life, from childhood to older age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168749 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that blood sugar imbalances, both high and low, can impact how the brain develops and functions, affecting memory, problem-solving, and other thinking skills. For people with type 1 diabetes, especially those diagnosed early in life, these changes can be significant, potentially leading to a higher risk of conditions like dementia later on. This work will look closely at how type 1 diabetes influences brain structure and cognitive abilities, considering factors like age of diagnosis and how well blood sugar is managed. Our goal is to uncover the specific ways diabetes impacts the brain, which could help us find better ways to support brain health for those living with the condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is relevant to individuals with type 1 diabetes, particularly those diagnosed in childhood and older adults experiencing cognitive changes.
Not a fit: Patients without type 1 diabetes or those whose cognitive issues are unrelated to blood sugar imbalances may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to a better understanding of how to protect brain health and cognitive function in individuals with type 1 diabetes across their lifespan.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have established a link between type 1 diabetes and cognitive impairment, with brain imaging showing structural changes.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zielinski, Brandon a. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Zielinski, Brandon a.
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.