Understanding how high blood sugar affects insulin-producing cells
Official title: Pancreatic beta-cell glucose toxicity and mRNA translation
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-10947979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term high blood sugar affects the insulin-making cells in the pancreas, which could help people with type 1 diabetes understand how their blood sugar levels impact their insulin production and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $91,500 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DK140526-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with type 1 diabetes or those experiencing beta-cell dysfunction due to chronic high glucose levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any form of diabetes or those whose beta-cell function is not affected by glucose levels may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic high glucose levels impact the function of pancreatic beta-cells, which are responsible for insulin production. By using advanced techniques like ribosome profiling and proteomics, the study aims to identify changes in mRNA translation that occur when these cells are exposed to sustained high glucose. The findings could help clarify the mechanisms behind beta-cell dysfunction, particularly in conditions like type 1 diabetes. Patients may gain insights into how their blood sugar levels affect their insulin production and overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving insulin production in patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding cellular responses to glucose can lead to significant advancements in diabetes treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheruiyot, Abigael — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Cheruiyot, Abigael
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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.