Understanding how COVID-19 affects fat tissue and blood sugar levels
Official title: Assessing the Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Adipose Tissue Function and Glucose Homeostasis
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11089369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects fat tissue and blood sugar control, especially for people with obesity or diabetes, by testing on mice to see how the virus might disrupt normal fat cell function and lead to health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,831 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132879-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089369 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity or diabetes who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or do not have obesity or diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on fat tissue function and blood sugar regulation, particularly in individuals with obesity or diabetes. It aims to understand how the virus can directly infect fat cells and disrupt their normal function, leading to insulin resistance and worse health outcomes. The study will involve experiments on mice to assess the impact of COVID-19 on glucose metabolism and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. By examining both acute and long-term effects of the virus, the research seeks to provide insights into how COVID-19 can lead to metabolic complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for COVID-19 patients, particularly those with obesity or diabetes, by addressing the metabolic complications associated with the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that viral infections can impact metabolic health, but this specific investigation into SARS-CoV-2's effects on adipose tissue is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lo, James C — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Lo, James C
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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.