Investigating how diabetes affects bacteria in the mouth

Diabetes reversal and the subgingival microbiota

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10413264

This study is looking at how diabetes affects the bacteria in your mouth and whether improving diabetes through weight-loss surgery can help your oral health, so it's for people with diabetes who want to understand more about their dental health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10413264 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between diabetes and periodontal diseases, focusing on how diabetes may alter the bacterial communities in the mouth. By comparing the microbial profiles of healthy individuals and those with diabetes, the study aims to understand how diabetes might create an environment that supports harmful bacteria. The researchers will utilize advanced DNA sequencing techniques to analyze these bacterial communities before and after diabetes reversal through laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. This approach could provide valuable insights into the relationship between oral health and diabetes management.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with diabetes who are considering or have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who do not have periodontal disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing diabetes and its complications, particularly in relation to oral health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiota's role in diabetes, but this specific approach of linking diabetes reversal to oral bacterial communities is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 Disease Frequency SurveysDiabetes MellitusdiabetesNon-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes MellitusAdult-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.