Improving liver health and diabetes management through targeted fat metabolism

Targeting hepatic mitochondrial oxidation to treat NAFLD, NASH and type 2 diabetes

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11012832

This study is looking at how a special treatment that helps your liver burn fat might improve conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and type 2 diabetes, and it's for people who have these health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012832 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how enhancing the liver's ability to oxidize fat can help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The approach involves promoting fat oxidation in the liver using a glucagon infusion, which may reduce fat buildup and improve insulin sensitivity. By studying the effects of this treatment in individuals with these conditions, the research aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms involved and assess the potential for reversing liver-related health issues. Participants may undergo assessments to measure liver fat content and insulin response over the course of the study.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with NAFLD, NASH, or type 2 diabetes, particularly those experiencing insulin resistance.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have NAFLD, NASH, or type 2 diabetes are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve liver health and diabetes management for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in enhancing liver fat oxidation to improve insulin sensitivity, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.