Understanding how the pancreas affects blood sugar and insulin
Loss of the Exocrine Pancreas Improves Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Secretion
This research explores how one part of the pancreas influences insulin production and blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139520 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Type 2 diabetes is a widespread health concern with no current cure, often characterized by problems with how the body releases insulin. We know that the pancreas has two main parts: the endocrine part, which makes insulin, and the exocrine part, which helps with digestion. While communication between these parts is known, we don't fully understand how the exocrine pancreas directly affects the insulin-producing cells. This project uses a special model to remove the exocrine pancreas while keeping the insulin-producing cells intact, allowing us to see its direct impact on blood sugar control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes mellitus or prediabetes.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical participation will not find a benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new biological pathways that lead to better treatments or even a cure for type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel, as little attention has been paid to the direct effect of the exocrine pancreas on insulin-producing cells, and a new mouse model has been developed for this specific purpose.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saleh, Mohamed — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Saleh, Mohamed
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 below.