Using low-dose pioglitazone to improve health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and liver disease.
Official title: Role of Screening and Early Intervention in Primary Care with Low-Dose Pioglitazone for Patients with T2DM and NASH
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10613936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early check-ups and treatment can help people with type 2 diabetes who might also have a liver condition called NASH, and it will teach doctors about the benefits of spotting this issue early and using a medication called pioglitazone to help improve liver health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $538,644 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK120331-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10613936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus who may also be at risk for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have type 2 diabetes or those with advanced liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of screening and early intervention in primary care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who may also have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It aims to educate primary care physicians about the risks associated with NASH and the importance of systematic screening. The study will explore the effects of low-dose pioglitazone, a medication that has shown promise in resolving NASH in a significant percentage of patients, while addressing concerns about its side effects. By identifying and treating patients earlier, the research seeks to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the risk of severe liver complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of NASH in patients with T2DM, potentially preventing severe liver disease and improving patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that low-dose pioglitazone can effectively resolve NASH in a substantial number of patients, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cusi, Kenneth — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Cusi, Kenneth
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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.