Understanding how pancreatic alpha cells respond to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Official title: Pancreatic islet alpha cell response to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10943903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the pancreas behave when someone has type 2 diabetes, especially when the body struggles to use insulin properly, and it aims to find new ways to help manage diabetes better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX006210-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10943903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, particularly those experiencing insulin resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes or those without any form of diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of pancreatic alpha cells in type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly how they respond to insulin resistance and other metabolic stresses. By examining the molecular mechanisms that regulate alpha cell function, the study aims to uncover critical factors that contribute to the dysregulation of hormone secretion in diabetes. The research focuses on transcription factors, such as MAFB, that are essential for the proper functioning of both alpha and beta cells in the pancreas. Through this work, the researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving diabetes management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better regulate blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of pancreatic cells in diabetes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coate, Kathryn (Katie) Colbert — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Coate, Kathryn (Katie) Colbert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How pancreatic alpha cells respond in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
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-
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This study is looking at a new treatment for type 2 diabetes that targets a protein called galectin-3, using a natural compound called TFD100, to help improve insulin resistance and potentially offer a new option for managing the condition.
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Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
A peer-led self-management program for adults with type 2 diabetes is being tested to see if it improves blood sugar control and daily diabetes care.
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.