Understanding how Type 1 diabetes affects brain function in children and adults.
Official title: UNITED: Understanding neurocognitive outcomes in Type 1 diabetes: Modifiable risk and protective factors in diverse youth
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10975083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Type 1 diabetes affects thinking and learning in kids and young adults, and it wants to find ways to help improve their brain health over time by listening to the community's ideas and needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $269,774 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DK140776-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and young adults diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, particularly those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes or those who are not within the age range of 0-21 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cognitive effects of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) on individuals, particularly focusing on children and young adults. It aims to identify modifiable risk and protective factors that may influence cognitive outcomes over time. By engaging with community stakeholders, the study seeks to understand diverse perspectives and needs, which will inform strategies to prevent cognitive decline associated with T1D. The research will utilize advanced methodologies to assess brain structure and cognitive function in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive impairment in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated cognitive dysfunction in individuals with Type 1 diabetes, but this study aims to explore untested modifiable factors and their impact on cognitive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arbelaez, Ana Maria — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Arbelaez, Ana Maria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
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-
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.