The role of gut bacteria in the risk of developing diabetes.
Official title: Human Gut Microbiome and Incident Diabetes Risk in U.S. Populations
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10757359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, and it will also see how your diet plays a role in this relationship.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $584,270 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK126698-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for type 2 diabetes or those with established diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human gut microbiome may influence the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) by examining the composition and function of gut bacteria. By analyzing fecal samples, the study aims to identify specific microbial features and metabolic pathways that could be linked to T2D risk. Additionally, it will explore how diet interacts with the microbiome to affect these risks. This comprehensive approach combines advanced methods such as network analysis to provide insights into the relationship between gut health and diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or managing type 2 diabetes through microbiome-targeted interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising links between gut microbiota and diabetes risk, but this research aims to establish a more definitive prospective relationship.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Qi — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Sun, Qi
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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.