Investigating how low blood sugar affects brain function and cognition in diabetes patients
Official title: Brain Vascular Signatures in Drug-induced Recurrent Hypoglycemia and Associated Cognitive Dysfunction
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10850293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low blood sugar episodes affect thinking and memory in people with Type 2 diabetes by using a special imaging technique to see how blood flow in the brain changes during mental tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $433,576 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK138939-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who experience recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes or those who do not experience hypoglycemic episodes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the cognitive impairments caused by recurrent hypoglycemia in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It aims to explore the relationship between brain vascular responses and cognitive dysfunction using a novel imaging technique called PAUL, which combines photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging. By visualizing brain blood flow and oxygenation during cognitive tasks, the study seeks to uncover how low blood sugar episodes impact brain activity and cognitive performance. This innovative approach may help identify specific brain changes associated with cognitive decline in diabetes patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing cognitive health in diabetes patients, potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using advanced imaging techniques to study cognitive function in diabetes is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the effects of vascular health on cognitive decline.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yun-Sheng — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yun-Sheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Brain blood flow patterns linked to hypoglycemia and thinking problems in diabetes
A study is testing a new brain-imaging technique to see how recurrent low blood sugar affects brain blood flow and thinking in adults with type 2 diabetes.
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Understanding Brain Changes from Low Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes
This research explores how repeated episodes of low blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes affect their brain and thinking abilities.
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Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
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Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
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Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
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Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
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.