Removing the exocrine pancreas may improve blood sugar control and insulin production.

Loss of the Exocrine Pancreas Improves Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Secretion

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10884285

This study is looking at how losing part of the pancreas affects blood sugar control and insulin production in people with Type 2 diabetes, using a special mouse model to help find new ways to manage the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884285 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the loss of the exocrine pancreas affects glucose tolerance and insulin secretion, particularly in the context of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Using a specialized mouse model, researchers will explore the relationship between the exocrine pancreas and insulin-producing beta cells, aiming to understand how this interaction influences blood sugar levels. The study involves surgical techniques to ablate the exocrine pancreas while preserving the islets, allowing for a focused examination of their function. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatment strategies for managing T2D.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, particularly those struggling with insulin secretion issues.

Not a fit: Patients with Type 1 diabetes or those without any form of diabetes may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve blood sugar control for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of ablating the exocrine pancreas is novel, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the pancreas's role in glucose metabolism.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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 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.