Understanding the causes of heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes
Official title: Molecular Drivers of Atherosclerosis in Diabetes
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11073485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how type 1 diabetes affects heart health differently than type 2 diabetes and people without diabetes, and it aims to find out what makes those risks unique so we can better understand and help those with type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $962,975 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DK142283-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who are at risk for cardiovascular complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 2 diabetes or those without diabetes may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique cardiovascular risks faced by individuals with type 1 diabetes compared to those with type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic individuals. It aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to increased heart disease risk in type 1 diabetes, focusing on immune profiles and the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques. By analyzing serum proteins and immune cell characteristics, the study seeks to identify distinct genetic and molecular drivers of atherosclerosis in diabetic patients. This comprehensive approach leverages advanced technologies and a collaborative team of experts in diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cardiovascular risks in diabetes, but this specific focus on type 1 diabetes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Civelek, Mete — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Civelek, Mete
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular Drivers of Atherosclerosis in Diabetes
This NIH grant supports research to understand why people with diabetes, especially type 1, have higher heart disease risk and how to prevent it with new ideas grounded in biology.
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Why heart disease develops differently in people with type 1 diabetes
This project compares immune signals and artery plaque features in people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and without diabetes to learn why heart disease is worse in type 1 diabetes.
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Investigating how a specific RNA affects inflammation and artery disease in diabetes
This study is looking at how a specific RNA called MERRICAL affects heart health in people with diabetes by influencing immune cells that can lead to artery disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help slow down or even reverse this condition.
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Finding new ways to reduce heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes
This study is looking at how insulin can help keep cholesterol and inflammation in check in the liver for people with type 1 diabetes, with the goal of finding new treatments to lower their risk of heart disease.
-
Investigating how diabetes affects heart disease through lipoproteins
This study is looking at how diabetes and metabolic syndrome can lead to heart problems, and it’s testing new ways to help people with diabetes lower their risk of heart disease by improving how their bodies handle certain fats.
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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.
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.