Investigating pancreas size and diabetes risk during pregnancy using MRI

Diabetes Prediction During Pregnancy and In Utero Using Pancreas MRI

NIH-funded research University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11180323

This study is looking at how the size of the pancreas in pregnant women might affect their chances of developing diabetes, using special MRI scans to see how the pancreas changes over time, and it's for expectant moms, especially those with diabetes or at risk for it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas at Austin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-11180323 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between pancreas size and the risk of developing diabetes during and after pregnancy. By using advanced MRI technology, the study aims to noninvasively assess the size and structure of the pancreas in pregnant women, including those with diabetes and those at risk. The research will track changes in pancreas size over time and correlate these changes with the development of diabetes, providing insights into how pancreas growth in fetuses may relate to diabetes risk later in life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women, particularly those with pregestational type 2 diabetes or those who develop gestational diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without any risk factors for diabetes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of women at risk for diabetes during pregnancy, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Similar research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to assess organ size and function, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Austin, 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 adult onset diabetesAdult-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.