Investigating the link between pancreatic fat and childhood metabolic health
Official title: Pancreatic fat and volume and childhood metabolic health
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11309744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the amount of fat in the pancreas and its size can affect the health of kids and teens, especially those who are overweight, to see if it might lead to type 2 diabetes, and it involves MRI scans to get a closer look at these factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $47,163 |
| NIH project number | 3K99DK136503-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 0-20 years, particularly those with obesity or at risk for metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 0-20 years or do not have concerns related to obesity or metabolic health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how pancreatic fat and volume affect metabolic health in children and adolescents. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to explore the relationship between these pancreatic traits and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly in youth with obesity. The research will utilize data from a large cohort study that has tracked mother-child pairs over time, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how early nutritional factors may influence pancreatic health. Participants will undergo MRI scans to measure pancreatic fat and volume during adolescence, providing valuable insights into metabolic dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing type 2 diabetes in children by identifying critical factors related to pancreatic health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between pancreatic fat and metabolic dysfunction, but this study aims to expand on those findings with a larger, longitudinal approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Catherine Cioffi — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Catherine Cioffi
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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.