Investigating how obstructive sleep apnea affects insulin resistance due to low oxygen levels.
Official title: Tissue-Specific Insulin Resistance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Role of Hypoxia
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10693797 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects insulin resistance, especially in people who have low oxygen levels while they sleep, to see how this might lead to issues like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. If you have OSA, this research could help us understand how your sleep condition impacts your overall health and insulin sensitivity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $803,867 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK117953-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10693797 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those experiencing episodes of low oxygen levels during sleep.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obstructive sleep apnea or those who do not experience hypoxia during sleep may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insulin resistance, particularly in patients experiencing low oxygen levels during sleep. The study aims to explore how OSA contributes to conditions like type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by examining the effects of hypoxia on insulin sensitivity in various tissues, including the liver and adipose tissue. By comparing patients with OSA who experience hypoxia to those who do not, the research seeks to identify specific mechanisms that worsen insulin resistance. Participants may undergo assessments related to their sleep patterns, metabolic health, and tissue responses to better understand these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, potentially reducing their risk of developing diabetes and liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a connection between sleep apnea and insulin resistance, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring an entirely novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarz, Jean-Marc — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Schwarz, Jean-Marc
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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.