Investigating how youth obesity and type 2 diabetes affect brain health

Understanding the Impact of Youth Onset Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes on the Neurovascular Unit

['FUNDING_R01'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-11015904

This study is looking at how type 2 diabetes in young people affects their brain health and thinking skills by comparing them to other teens who are either obese or at a healthy weight.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11015904 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) on brain structure and function, particularly focusing on the neurovascular unit, which is crucial for brain health. The study compares adolescents with T2D to their obese and lean peers to identify differences in brain gray matter volume and cognitive abilities. By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers aim to uncover how T2D may lead to cerebrovascular impairment and cognitive decline. The goal is to better understand the relationship between obesity, diabetes, and brain health in young individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged under 21 who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or are obese without diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or do not have obesity or type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of brain health in adolescents with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of obesity and diabetes on brain health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

CINCINNATI, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: adult onset diabetes, Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.