Understanding heart disease in type 1 diabetes through fat and blood vessel cells
Official title: Single-cell, multi-omic investigation of epicardial adipose and coronary endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11194469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how fat around the heart and blood vessel cells contribute to heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $993,436 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK142338-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to patients with type 1 diabetes who are at risk for or have developed cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 1 diabetes or those not at risk for cardiovascular complications may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Heart disease is a major concern for individuals with type 1 diabetes, and this project aims to uncover why. We are looking closely at the fat surrounding the heart and the cells lining the coronary arteries, as these areas may become unhealthy in type 1 diabetes. By studying these cells at a very detailed level, we hope to understand how they become dysfunctional and release harmful signals. This work could help us find new ways to protect the heart in people living with type 1 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of heart disease in type 1 diabetes, potentially identifying new targets for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While the link between epicardial fat and coronary disease in type 1 diabetes is emerging, this project uses novel single-cell techniques to explore these mechanisms in unprecedented detail.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Majithia, Amit — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Majithia, Amit
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how fat tissue around the heart and heart vessels go wrong in type 1 diabetes
Researchers will study heart-specific fat and blood vessels at the cellular level in adults with type 1 diabetes to understand why cardiovascular disease is more dangerous in this group.
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Investigating the role of fat cells in heart disease for people with type 1 diabetes
This study is looking at how fat cells around the heart might play a role in heart disease for people with type 1 diabetes, and it aims to find out what changes happen in these cells that could lead to heart problems.
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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.
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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.
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.