Using computer imaging to better diagnose kidney disease in people with diabetes

Computational Imaging of Renal Structures for Diagnosing Diabetic Nephropathy.

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-11179449

This work aims to create new computer tools that can look at kidney tissue images and other health information to help doctors find diabetic kidney disease more accurately and earlier.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11179449 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Diabetic kidney disease is a serious condition that affects many people with diabetes and is a leading cause of kidney failure. Currently, doctors often rely on visual assessments of kidney tissue biopsies, which may not always capture the full picture of the disease. This project is developing advanced computer programs that can analyze detailed images of kidney tissue along with other patient data. By combining these different types of information, the goal is to provide a more precise and continuous score of kidney damage. This could help doctors make better decisions about treatment and care for patients with diabetic kidney disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This work is relevant for patients with diabetes who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with diabetic kidney disease, particularly those undergoing kidney biopsies.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or kidney disease, or those whose condition is not related to diabetic kidney disease, would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease, potentially allowing for more timely and effective treatment to prevent kidney failure.

How similar studies have performed: The investigator team has already conducted extensive work in this area, pioneering unbiased quantitative morphometry of diabetic kidney disease and demonstrating how AI can improve diagnostic precision.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.