Understanding why some people with type 1 diabetes get or avoid major heart disease due to genetics
Official title: Examining Susceptibility and Resistance Phenotypes to Enhance Understanding of the Genetic Basis of Major Coronary Artery Disease in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11394264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study looks at genetic factors and immune-related markers to understand why some young people with type 1 diabetes develop major heart disease and others don’t.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 27, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $327,064 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL161879-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with type 1 diabetes, particularly those with or at risk for coronary artery disease, who can provide genetic and biomarker information.
✕Less likely to help
People without type 1 diabetes or those without CAD risk factors may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If you have type 1 diabetes, you may be at higher risk for coronary artery disease. This research will look for genetic variants and inflammatory markers that differentiate those who develop major CAD from those who don’t, using more precise clinical data rather than broad groups. The team will examine networks of immune-related signals to find new pathways that could become targets for therapy. The project is led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and aims to identify people early who are at risk and to pave the way for personalized prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to earlier identification of at-risk individuals and new approaches to prevent major heart events in people with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked inflammatory markers and genetics to CAD risk, but this project seeks to identify specific variants and networks in type 1 diabetes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Rachel Grace — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Miller, Rachel Grace
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Why some people with type 1 diabetes get major coronary artery disease and others don't
This project looks for genes and immune-system markers that explain who with type 1 diabetes is likely to develop serious coronary artery disease so risk can be spotted earlier.
-
Understanding genetic factors in coronary artery disease for children with type 1 diabetes
This study is looking into why kids with type 1 diabetes might be more likely to have heart problems later on, and it hopes to find out if certain genes and immune system responses are involved, so we can discover new ways to help keep their hearts healthy.
-
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.
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.