Understanding Heart Disease in Type 1 Diabetes
Official title: Substance P Metabolites and Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Cardiac Disease in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11194459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores new ways to protect the heart from damage in people with type 1 diabetes, focusing on natural body chemicals called Substance P.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $725,588 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK142329-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients with type 1 diabetes who are at risk for or already experiencing heart complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 1 diabetes or those with other forms of heart disease may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Heart disease is a serious concern for people with type 1 diabetes, often leading to heart failure because the heart muscle changes and becomes stiff. Currently, there are no specific treatments to stop or reverse these heart changes. Our team is looking into how certain natural chemicals, called Substance P and its related molecules, might help protect the heart. We've seen promising results in animal models where replacing these chemicals helped prevent heart scarring and improved heart function. This work aims to uncover new treatment options to keep hearts healthier for those living with type 1 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medications that prevent or reverse heart damage in patients with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animal models of type 2 diabetes has shown that replacing Substance P or using its mimetics can protect the heart from damage.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levick, Scott P — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Levick, Scott P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating how certain proteins affect heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes
This study is looking at how a protein called substance P might help protect the hearts of people with type 1 diabetes, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent or improve heart problems related to the condition.
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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.
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.