Restoring awareness of low blood sugar in type 1 diabetes
Restoring awareness of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11319767
This project tests whether education, hybrid closed-loop insulin pumps, and small doses of glucagon can help adults with long-standing type 1 diabetes regain warning signs of low blood sugar.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11319767 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Over 24 months you'll take part in an adaptive randomized program where your assigned treatment can change based on how you respond. Options include standard hypoglycemia-avoidance education, using an automated hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system, and taking mini-doses of glucagon. Researchers will measure hormonal and symptom responses using controlled low-blood-sugar tests (hypoglycemic clamps) and track your real-world glucose data to see which approaches restore warning signs. The goal is to learn which people benefit from which treatments so dangerous lows can be prevented more reliably.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with long-standing type 1 diabetes who have impaired awareness of hypoglycemia or frequent problematic low blood sugars are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: People who already notice low-blood-sugar symptoms normally, have type 2 diabetes, or cannot use closed-loop devices or glucagon for medical reasons are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower the risk of severe low-blood-sugar episodes and make tighter blood-sugar control safer for people with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show education and automated insulin delivery can reduce hypoglycemia, but combining an adaptive trial with mini-dose glucagon and detailed clamp testing to restore physiological warning responses is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RICKELS, MICHAEL R — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: RICKELS, MICHAEL R
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 below.
Conditions: Brittle Diabetes Mellitus