NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how diabetes affects nerve function related to heart health

Official title: Potential mechanism underlying parasympathetic neuronal dysfunction in diabetes

Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11031983 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into how diabetes affects the nerves that help control your heart, with the goal of finding new ways to improve heart health for people living with diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project startFebruary 15, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$542,994
NIH project number5R01HL168500-02
Project IDNIH-11031983 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who may be experiencing cardiovascular issues.

Less likely to help

Patients without diabetes or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind reduced nerve activity that controls heart function in patients with diabetes. It focuses on how diabetes leads to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, particularly affecting the parasympathetic nervous system, which is crucial for heart health. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to identify specific pathways that contribute to this dysfunction, potentially leading to new treatments that enhance heart function in diabetic patients. The study employs a combination of in vivo and in vitro techniques to explore these mechanisms at both cellular and systemic levels.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding autonomic dysfunction in diabetes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Nebraska Medical Center
    Omaha, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Li, Yu-Long — University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Li, Yu-Long

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.