Understanding brain function in children with type 1 diabetes

Neurocognitive Complications of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: Identifying Modifiable Risk and Protective Factors

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10974441

This study is looking at how type 1 diabetes might affect kids' thinking skills, like memory and learning, and it’s for children who have just been diagnosed with diabetes and their healthy friends, to find ways to help them think better as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10974441 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how type 1 diabetes affects cognitive abilities in children, focusing on memory, learning, and executive function. It aims to identify risk factors that may worsen these cognitive challenges, such as episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis or prolonged high blood sugar levels. By studying a diverse group of newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes alongside healthy peers, the research seeks to uncover modifiable factors that could improve cognitive outcomes. The study will involve neuroimaging to assess brain structure and function, providing insights into how diabetes impacts brain development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are school-aged children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, particularly those from minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients who are older adolescents or adults with type 1 diabetes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing cognitive health in children with type 1 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated cognitive deficits in children with type 1 diabetes, but this study aims to take a novel approach by focusing on a diverse, newly diagnosed population.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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 2026-06-09 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.