Understanding how the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in Type 1 Diabetes
Official title: The Role of the Pancreas Microenvironment in Regulating Islet Function and Survival in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at Colorado School of Mines · NIH-11126679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how changes in the pancreas surrounding insulin-making cells might contribute to Type 1 Diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado School of Mines NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Golden, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $352,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137221-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of Type 1 Diabetes, particularly those in early stages or at risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Type 1 Diabetes who have already experienced significant loss of insulin-producing cells may not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
What this research studies
We know that in Type 1 Diabetes, the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells. Before this destruction, the protective layer around these cells in the pancreas often breaks down. Our work suggests that stressed insulin-producing cells might themselves release enzymes that damage this protective layer, making it easier for immune cells to attack. We are looking at how losing this protective layer affects the health and function of these vital cells, which could help us understand how Type 1 Diabetes develops.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect insulin-producing cells and potentially prevent or slow the progression of Type 1 Diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms are still being uncovered, other studies have highlighted the importance of the cellular environment in disease progression.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farnsworth, Nikki L. — Colorado School of Mines
- Study coordinator: Farnsworth, Nikki L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
-
Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
-
Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
-
Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
-
How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
-
Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
This study will look at adults with type 1 diabetes to see how their awareness of low blood sugar evolves over time and whether automated insulin delivery and high-intensity exercise can help restore that awareness.
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.