NIH-funded research R01 grant

How ultrasound affects blood sugar control and diabetes

Official title: Mechanism of ultrasound neuromodulation effects on glucose homeostasis and diabetes

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11018634 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how using gentle ultrasound on the brain might help improve blood sugar control for people with diabetes by changing how the brain and gut communicate about glucose levels.

More Ultrasound research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$754,027
NIH project number5R01DK131127-03
Project IDNIH-11018634 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults with adult-onset diabetes who are seeking alternative treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with type 1 diabetes or those who do not have issues with glucose regulation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the central nervous system in regulating glucose metabolism, particularly focusing on how ultrasound neuromodulation can influence autonomic pathways that communicate between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. By using non-invasive ultrasound techniques, the study aims to alter the brain's response to glucose levels, potentially leading to improved blood sugar control. The research builds on promising animal studies that have shown ultrasound can normalize glucose levels without insulin. The goal is to translate these findings into human applications to better manage diabetes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, non-invasive treatment option for managing blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies in animal models have shown success with similar ultrasound neuromodulation approaches, indicating potential for human application.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Herzog, Raimund Ingo — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Herzog, Raimund Ingo

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Ultrasound imaging to detect and monitor pancreatic changes in type 1 diabetes

    A study using advanced ultrasound contrast and high-resolution imaging to see early signs of type 1 diabetes in the pancreas, with the goal of guiding potential treatments.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11332626

  • Focused ultrasound to change blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes

    The team is using focused ultrasound aimed at nerves near the liver to try to reset the brain's control of blood sugar for people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11291875

  • Detecting early type 2 diabetes using ultrasound and AI analysis of muscle

    This study is looking for early signs of type 2 diabetes by using ultrasound images of muscles, and it's especially for people in underserved communities, so we can catch potential issues before they become serious and help improve health outcomes.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11121651

  • Creating new ultrasound techniques to improve imaging in type 1 diabetes

    This study is working on new ultrasound techniques to help doctors get a clearer picture of the pancreas in people with type 1 diabetes, which could lead to better ways to monitor and manage the condition.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11099943

  • Using tiny ultrasound agents to diagnose and treat type 1 diabetes

    This study is looking at new ways to help people at risk of type 1 diabetes by using tiny ultrasound agents to deliver treatments directly to the pancreas, aiming to stop the disease before it starts.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-10873718

  • HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala

    This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11645315

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.