Investigating how COVID-19 affects insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
Official title: Beta cell dysfunction as an acute and a post acute sequelae of COVID19
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-10874464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, especially in adults, to better understand why some people might develop diabetes after getting the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $449,358 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133504-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have contracted COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms related to diabetes or have been diagnosed with new-onset diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not contracted COVID-19 or do not have diabetes-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how COVID-19 impacts the function and survival of beta cells in the pancreas, which are crucial for insulin production. The study aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that lead to beta cell dysfunction and death, particularly in adults who have contracted COVID-19. By using animal models, researchers will explore how the virus directly affects these cells and contributes to conditions like Type 2 diabetes. The findings could help clarify the relationship between COVID-19 and new-onset diabetes cases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for diabetes that may arise after COVID-19 infection.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated a link between viral infections and diabetes onset, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Georgia, Senta K — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Georgia, Senta K
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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.