Understanding how to improve insulin secretion in diabetes
Official title: Metabolic regulation of islet hormone secretion in diabetes
Funded at Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp · NIH-10948111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme can help boost insulin production in the pancreas for veterans with type 2 diabetes, especially older adults and those dealing with obesity-related diabetes, to see if special compounds can make this process better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005113-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans aged 65 and older who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and may be experiencing issues with insulin secretion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or are under the age of 65 may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific enzyme, pyruvate kinase, in enhancing insulin secretion from pancreatic cells in individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly focusing on the Veteran population. The study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which activating this enzyme can improve hormone secretion. By using small-molecule activators, the research seeks to identify how these compounds can positively influence insulin release in both alpha and beta cells of the pancreas. This work is particularly relevant for older adults and those affected by obesity-related diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve insulin secretion and management of diabetes in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing insulin secretion through similar mechanisms, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merrins, Matthew J. — Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp
- Study coordinator: Merrins, Matthew J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Bringing WHO HEARTS-D diabetes care into Bangladesh cities
A program to help urban clinics in Bangladesh adopt WHO HEARTS-D guidelines to improve detection, treatment, and control of type 2 diabetes.
-
AI-powered fundus imaging to screen for type 2 diabetes
A mobile AI tool uses eye images to help screen adults for type 2 diabetes in clinics or communities.
-
AI-powered eye imaging to screen for type 2 diabetes with a mobile phone
A plan to use AI on smartphone retinal images to help spot type 2 diabetes early, especially in people who may not have easy access to 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.