Using a glucagon pump to prevent severe low blood sugar after weight loss surgery
Official title: Glucagon Pump Therapy for Post-Bariatric Hypoglycemia: Merging Physiology and Engineering
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-10932425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new device that automatically gives glucagon to help people who have had weight loss surgery and might experience dangerously low blood sugar levels, making it easier for them to manage their condition safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $690,723 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137518-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults who have had bariatric surgery and experience episodes of severe hypoglycemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone bariatric surgery or do not experience hypoglycemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a closed-loop glucagon pump system to manage severe hypoglycemia that can occur after bariatric surgery. It aims to develop a technology that automatically detects low blood sugar levels and delivers glucagon to prevent dangerous drops in glucose. The study will involve patients who have undergone gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy and may experience post-bariatric hypoglycemia. Participants will be monitored in a clinical setting to assess the effectiveness and safety of this innovative therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the management of hypoglycemia for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, enhancing their quality of life and safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using closed-loop systems for managing blood sugar levels, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patti, Mary E — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Patti, Mary E
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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Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
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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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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.
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Glucagon Pump Therapy for PBH in People After Bariatric Surgery
A new approach uses a patch pump and smart control to deliver glucagon during meal-related lows in adults who had bariatric surgery and developed dangerous hypoglycemia.
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.