Understanding brain function in children with type 1 diabetes
Official title: Neurocognitive Complications of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: Identifying Modifiable Risk and Protective Factors
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10974441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $319,227 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DK140743-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are school-aged children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, particularly those from minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older adolescents or adults with type 1 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaser, Sarah Sanders — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jaser, Sarah Sanders
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
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-
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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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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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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.