How weight loss affects fat tissue in muscles and its role in diabetes risk
Official title: Effect of weight loss on intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) signaling
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11086791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $865,496 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134706-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are obese individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes who are seeking weight loss interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or those who do not have insulin sensitivity issues may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bergman, Bryan C — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bergman, Bryan C
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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.