Improved insulin systems for adults with type 1 diabetes who don’t notice low blood sugar
Official title: Advanced Insulin Delivery to Reduce Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia in a T1D Cohort (AIDRIAHT1C)
Funded at Adventhealth Orlando · NIH-11319846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Adults with long-standing type 1 diabetes who often miss low blood sugar will use either an automated hybrid closed-loop insulin system or a sensor-linked insulin pump to see which helps them notice and avoid hypoglycemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Adventhealth Orlando NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $740,881 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK135131-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) with type 1 diabetes of at least ten years’ duration who score positive for impaired awareness of hypoglycemia on the HYPO score are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without impaired hypoglycemia awareness, with very recent-onset type 1 diabetes, or unwilling/unable to use pumps and continuous glucose monitors are unlikely to benefit from joining.
What this research studies
You would join if you are an adult with type 1 diabetes for at least ten years and have reduced awareness of low blood sugar as measured by the HYPO score. Participants who meet that definition are randomly assigned 1:1 to a hybrid closed-loop (HCL) insulin delivery system or to sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy. Both groups receive a targeted education program aimed at reducing hypoglycemia, and continuous glucose monitoring and pump data will be used to measure time spent in low glucose and changes in awareness. The study also looks at counter-regulatory responses and brain-related changes linked to impaired awareness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help people with impaired hypoglycemia awareness notice lows sooner and reduce dangerous severe hypoglycemic episodes.
How similar studies have gone: Hybrid closed-loop systems have already lowered time in hypoglycemia in prior trials, but using them specifically to restore hypoglycemia awareness and counter-regulatory responses is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
-
Adventhealth Orlando
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pratley, Richard E — Adventhealth Orlando
- Study coordinator: Pratley, Richard E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
-
Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
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Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
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Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
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Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
This study will look at adults with type 1 diabetes to see how their awareness of low blood sugar evolves over time and whether automated insulin delivery and high-intensity exercise can help restore that awareness.
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Glucagon Pump Therapy for PBH in People After Bariatric Surgery
A new approach uses a patch pump and smart control to deliver glucagon during meal-related lows in adults who had bariatric surgery and developed dangerous hypoglycemia.
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.