Understanding how bariatric surgery affects blood sugar regulation
Official title: The role of diminished CNS hypoglycemia sensing in postbariatric hypoglycemia
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10996035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some people who have had weight loss surgery experience low blood sugar without feeling any symptoms, and it aims to understand how the surgery changes brain function and blood sugar regulation to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DK139710-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery and are experiencing symptoms of postbariatric hypoglycemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone bariatric surgery or do not experience hypoglycemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH), a condition affecting many patients after weight loss surgery. It focuses on how bariatric surgery alters brain function and the body's ability to sense low blood sugar levels. By studying these changes, the research aims to identify why some patients do not experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious health risks. The approach includes preclinical studies to explore the brain circuits involved in regulating feeding and glucose levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients experiencing dangerous low blood sugar after bariatric surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into postbariatric hypoglycemia, this specific investigation into the brain's role in sensing low blood sugar is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cook, Tyler — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Cook, Tyler
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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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.
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Glucagon Pump Therapy for PBH in People After Bariatric Surgery
A new approach uses a patch pump and smart control to deliver glucagon during meal-related lows in adults who had bariatric surgery and developed dangerous hypoglycemia.
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.