Investigating how diabetes and aging affect corneal health
Official title: Diabetic Keratopathy and Aging
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11219816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how diabetes and getting older can affect eye health, especially a condition called diabetic keratopathy, by using zebrafish to see how high blood sugar and age impact healing in the cornea, which could help us understand vision loss in people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,003 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM121176-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11219816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes, particularly those experiencing corneal complications, and older adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have corneal issues related to diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of diabetes and aging on corneal health, specifically focusing on diabetic keratopathy, a common eye complication in diabetes. Using a zebrafish model, the study will examine how elevated blood glucose levels and aging influence gene and protein expression in the cornea. By analyzing corneal wound healing in zebrafish exposed to glucose, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that lead to vision loss in diabetic patients. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of how these two factors interact to affect eye health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for diabetic keratopathy, potentially preserving vision in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using zebrafish models to study ocular diseases, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balne, Praveen K — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Balne, Praveen 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.