Improving blood pressure control in diabetes by timing GLP-1 medications
Official title: Targeting GLP-1 receptor as a new chronotherapy against nondipping blood pressure in diabetes
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11099739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how the timing of certain diabetes medications might help people with type 2 diabetes better manage their blood pressure, especially if it doesn't drop normally at night.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,237 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164398-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is most relevant to patients with type 2 diabetes who also have high blood pressure, particularly those whose blood pressure does not dip normally at night.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 2 diabetes or those with normal blood pressure patterns are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people with type 2 diabetes also experience high blood pressure that doesn't dip as it should overnight, which can increase heart risks. We are looking at a class of diabetes medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are already known to help with blood sugar and weight. Our goal is to understand if giving these medications at specific times of day can help normalize blood pressure patterns. We believe that understanding the body's natural rhythms, or 'chronotherapy,' could lead to more effective ways to use these drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for using existing medications to significantly improve blood pressure control and reduce cardiovascular risks for patients with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: GLP-1 receptor agonists are FDA-approved and have shown cardiovascular benefits, but their specific impact on nondipping blood pressure and the optimal timing for this effect are new areas of focus.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gong, Ming C — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Gong, Ming 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.