Understanding bone fragility in older adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Delineating mechanisms of skeletal fragility in older adults with Type 1 Diabetes

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11023085

This study is looking at how Type 1 Diabetes affects bone health in people aged 50 and older, especially the risk of hip fractures, to help understand why their bones might be weaker compared to those without diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11023085 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) affects bone health in older adults, particularly focusing on the increased risk of hip fractures. The study will assess changes in bone density, structure, and strength in individuals aged 50 and older with T1D compared to those without diabetes. It will also explore how complications from diabetes, such as blood sugar levels and microvascular disease, contribute to bone fragility. By analyzing bone samples, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to skeletal fragility in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 50 and above who have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 50 years old or do not have Type 1 Diabetes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing fractures and enhancing bone health in older adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated significant findings regarding bone health in diabetic populations, suggesting that this approach has the potential for meaningful insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
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.