Novel MRI to see how diabetes affects stomach emptying

Use of novel MRI technology to study pathophysiology diabetic gastroparesis

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11181323

Advanced MRI is being used to watch how the stomach moves and empties in people with diabetes who have slow stomach emptying.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11181323 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would get contrast-enhanced MRI scans that take detailed moving pictures of your stomach while it digests a test meal. Automated image processing will measure fundic accommodation, antral contractions, pyloric opening, and overall emptying so doctors can see which parts of the stomach are not working together. The project compares human scans with animal and computer-model data to better understand the mechanics behind delayed gastric emptying. Results aim to pinpoint specific motor problems that could be targeted by new treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with diabetes who have symptoms of delayed gastric emptying (nausea, vomiting, bloating, early fullness) or a prior diagnosis of gastroparesis.

Not a fit: People without diabetic-related gastric emptying problems, those with mechanical obstruction of the stomach, or anyone who cannot undergo MRI are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve diagnosis and lead to more targeted treatments for diabetic gastroparesis.

How similar studies have performed: Early pilot studies and animal work using MRI and computational models have shown promise, but applying this integrated imaging and automated analysis in patients is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 Complications of 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.