How weight loss affects fat tissue in muscles and its role in diabetes risk

Effect of weight loss on intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) signaling

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11086791

This study is looking at how losing weight affects the fat stored in your muscles and how that can help improve your body's ability to use insulin, which is important for preventing type 2 diabetes, especially for people who are overweight.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11086791 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of weight loss on intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), which is fat located within skeletal muscles. The study aims to understand how IMAT contributes to decreased insulin sensitivity and the risk of type 2 diabetes in obese individuals. By examining the secretion of specific proteins and inflammatory signals from IMAT, the research seeks to clarify how weight loss can improve muscle function and reduce diabetes risk. Patients may be involved in interventions that assess changes in IMAT and muscle metabolism following weight loss.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are obese individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes who are seeking weight loss interventions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not obese or those who do not have insulin sensitivity issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing obesity-related diabetes by enhancing muscle insulin sensitivity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of adipose tissue in metabolic diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.