Ultrasound imaging to detect and monitor pancreatic changes in type 1 diabetes
Official title: Developing ultrasound contrast agents and signal processing for structural and functional imaging in type 1 diabetes
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11332626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using advanced ultrasound contrast and high-resolution imaging to see early signs of type 1 diabetes in the pancreas, with the goal of guiding potential treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $632,022 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK140904-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People at risk for type 1 diabetes or in the pre-symptomatic phase who may undergo imaging with specialized ultrasound techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without early pancreatic inflammation or those unable to undergo ultrasound with contrast agents may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to use ultrasound with special gas-filled contrast agents to visualize tiny blood vessels in the pancreas and detect early changes associated with type 1 diabetes. By applying ultrasound localization microscopy, researchers hope to see disease signatures in the islets of Langerhans that are usually hidden within the whole pancreas. The study builds on prior work in animal models and focuses on translating high-resolution imaging to humans to identify the pre-symptomatic phase of T1D. The research could ultimately help tailor interventions during the silent period before symptoms arise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection of T1D-related changes and guide timely therapeutic decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies using contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed potential in detecting insulitis, but this approach in humans is still being established.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benninger, Richard Kp — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Benninger, Richard Kp
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Creating new ultrasound techniques to improve imaging in type 1 diabetes
This study is working on new ultrasound techniques to help doctors get a clearer picture of the pancreas in people with type 1 diabetes, which could lead to better ways to monitor and manage the condition.
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This study is looking at new ways to help people at risk of type 1 diabetes by using tiny ultrasound agents to deliver treatments directly to the pancreas, aiming to stop the disease before it starts.
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This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
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Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
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.