Understanding how GLP-1 drugs affect energy use in brittle diabetes
Official title: Elucidating Novel Regulations of Energy Metabolism by GLP-1 Receptor Agonism
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11599303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how GLP-1 receptor drugs change how the body handles sugar and fats, beyond lowering blood sugar or appetite, to help people with brittle diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $456,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK148870-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11599303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with brittle diabetes who might use GLP-1 receptor agonists could be affected by this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without brittle diabetes or those not using GLP-1 therapies may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project will explore how GLP-1 receptor agonists influence whole-body energy metabolism, including liver fat production and brown fat activity, through brain-centered pathways. Scientists will examine metabolic changes in human-relevant models and animal studies to identify new mechanisms that are independent of insulin or weight loss. The goal is to map how these drugs shift glucose and lipid balance, potentially informing safer and more effective therapies for brittle diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to better understanding of GLP-1 drugs’ broader effects, potentially improving treatment for brittle diabetes and related metabolic issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown GLP-1 drugs affect energy and metabolism beyond appetite control, supporting potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hui, Sheng — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Hui, Sheng
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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.