Using glucose levels to identify early Alzheimer's risk in people with prediabetes.
Official title: Glucose Variability as a Digital Biomarker for Preclinical AD Risk in Prediabetes.
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-10910153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in blood sugar levels might help spot early signs of Alzheimer's Disease in older adults who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, using a special device that tracks glucose levels continuously to see how it relates to thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $224,466 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG077647-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes and may be experiencing early cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have prediabetes or are not at risk for Type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fluctuations in glucose levels can serve as a digital biomarker for early signs of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in older adults who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes. By utilizing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology, the study aims to provide a more detailed understanding of how glucose variability affects cognitive function and the risk of developing AD. Participants will have their glucose levels monitored continuously, allowing researchers to identify patterns that may indicate cognitive decline. The goal is to enhance early detection and intervention strategies for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management strategies for Alzheimer's Disease in individuals with prediabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of CGM technology is innovative in this context, previous research has shown success in using digital biomarkers for other conditions, suggesting potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khambaty, Tasneem — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Khambaty, Tasneem
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why some older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes develop memory problems or dementia.
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Alzheimer’s and related dementia in older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why cognitive problems occur in people 65 and older who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, using data from a long-running diabetes study to identify what drives memory and thinking decline.
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Support for Monitoring and Remote Tracking for Prediabetes
Aimed at helping adults with prediabetes use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) through training and support from community health workers to improve self-management and prevent progression to diabetes.
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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.