Improving brain barrier function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Official title: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Blood Brain Barrier Function Improvement- A Randomized Clinical Trial
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11074062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help improve brain health in adults with type 2 diabetes by checking how well the blood-brain barrier is working and seeing if taking thiamine can make it better, which could help with thinking and mood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG085268-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have type 2 diabetes or those with other forms of diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to improve the function of the blood-brain barrier in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is often linked to cognitive and mood deficits. The study will utilize non-invasive MRI techniques to assess the blood-brain barrier's status and explore whether interventions, such as thiamine supplementation, can repair its function. By focusing on these improvements, the research aims to enhance cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life for patients with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in repairing blood-brain barrier function in diabetes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Rajesh — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Rajesh
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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.