Improving awareness of low blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes
Official title: Restoring awareness of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11076662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is low, using different methods like education and new treatments, to keep them safe and healthy over two years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $568,303 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK135120-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have type 1 diabetes and experience impaired awareness of hypoglycemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have type 1 diabetes or those who do not experience issues with hypoglycemia awareness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to restore awareness of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in individuals with type 1 diabetes. It involves a 24-month clinical trial that uses various interventions, including education on avoiding hypoglycemia, advanced insulin delivery systems, and new glucagon treatments. The goal is to understand the factors that affect the body's response to low blood sugar and to improve safety and glycemic control for patients. Participants will be monitored closely to assess the effectiveness of these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help individuals with type 1 diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using educational and technological interventions to improve hypoglycemia awareness, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rickels, Michael R — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rickels, Michael R
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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Understanding how impaired hypoglycemia awareness develops in type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
This study looks at adults with type 1 diabetes who struggle to sense hypoglycemia and tests whether automated insulin delivery and exercise can help restore their awareness.
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.