Understanding bone health issues in people with type 1 diabetes
Official title: Origins of Skeletal Fragility in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11092256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how type 1 diabetes can impact bone health, especially by making bones weaker and more likely to break, and it's for people with type 1 diabetes who want to learn more about how their condition affects their bones and what can be done to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $525,881 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133076-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who are experiencing bone health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 1 diabetes or those who do not have any skeletal health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how type 1 diabetes affects bone health, particularly focusing on decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. It explores the role of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 in bone formation and how their deficiencies contribute to diabetic bone disease. The study uses pre-clinical mouse models and human observational studies to identify the mechanisms behind these skeletal issues. By understanding these pathways, the research aims to find better treatments to improve bone health in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance bone health and reduce fracture risk for patients with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between insulin therapy and bone health in diabetic models, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fowlkes, John L — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Fowlkes, John L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
-
Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
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Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
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.
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How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
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Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
This study will look at adults with type 1 diabetes to see how their awareness of low blood sugar evolves over time and whether automated insulin delivery and high-intensity exercise can help restore that awareness.
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.