Improving blood sugar control during exercise for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Official title: Limiting Dysglycemia Around Physical Activity for People with Type 1 Diabetes Using Activity-Aware Automated Insulin Delivery – the APEX Project.
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10855771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people with Type 1 diabetes manage their insulin better during exercise, so they can feel more comfortable being active without worrying about low blood sugar.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $686,100 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139065-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10855771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes who are interested in improving their blood sugar management during exercise.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Type 2 diabetes or those who do not engage in physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing glycemic control for individuals with Type 1 diabetes during physical activity by testing innovative methods to adjust insulin delivery. The study will explore three approaches: real-time adjustments based on insulin sensitivity changes, accounting for previous activity's impact on insulin needs, and predicting future activity based on past patterns. By integrating these methods into a fully closed-loop automated insulin delivery system, participants can enjoy more spontaneous physical activity without the constant need to manage their insulin levels. This project aims to alleviate the fear of hypoglycemia that often discourages exercise among people with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable people with Type 1 diabetes to engage in physical activity more freely and safely, improving their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using automated insulin delivery systems to improve glycemic control, making this approach both innovative and grounded in successful methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Breton, Marc D — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Breton, Marc D
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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How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
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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.
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.