Stopping beta-cell burnout from high blood sugar
Beta cell exhaustion and glucotoxicity in Diabetes
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11251613
This project is testing ways to protect and restore the pancreas's insulin-making beta cells for adults with type 2 diabetes by studying how high blood sugar damages them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251613 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how high blood sugar causes insulin-producing beta cells to lose their identity and stop working, using specially designed mouse models that mimic different forms of diabetes. They will track the timing and mechanisms of beta-cell change, including the role of autophagy and glucotoxicity. The team will test approaches in mice to prevent or reverse loss of functional beta-cell mass. Findings aim to point toward treatments that could preserve or restore insulin production in people with diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with recent-onset type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who are worried about declining insulin production are the most likely beneficiaries of future therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: People with long-standing diabetes who already have very low beta-cell function or those with autoimmune type 1 diabetes may be less likely to benefit from approaches targeting reversible beta-cell identity loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that protect or restore insulin-producing cells and help people keep better blood sugar control.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have shown that loss of beta-cell identity can be reversible, but turning those findings into patient treatments is still experimental and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: REMEDI, MARIA SARA — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: REMEDI, MARIA SARA
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: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus