Reducing iron levels to improve diabetes and liver health
Official title: Iron Reduction for the Treatment of Diabetes and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10761794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high iron levels in the body might be linked to type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, and it will see if lowering iron through a simple blood donation can help improve blood sugar and liver health for people with too much iron.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | January 20, 2019 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $658,658 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK119913-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10761794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with type 2 diabetes and elevated serum ferritin levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal iron levels or those who do not have type 2 diabetes or fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between tissue iron levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It explores how reducing iron through a procedure called phlebotomy may improve blood sugar levels and liver health in individuals with higher-than-normal iron levels. The study builds on previous findings that suggest a connection between iron overload and these conditions, aiming to clarify the benefits of iron reduction in a human population. Participants will be monitored for changes in their glycemic control and liver function as iron levels are adjusted.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease by utilizing iron reduction as a therapeutic strategy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in animal models and pilot trials in humans, indicating that reducing iron may improve diabetes management.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcclain, Donald a. — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mcclain, Donald a.
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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.