Using medication to help adolescents with obesity and type 2 diabetes lose weight and improve health.
Official title: Anti-obesity pharmacotherapy to decrease BMI and improve insulin sensitivity in adolescents with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11099717 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well a medication called liraglutide can help teenagers with obesity and type 2 diabetes lose weight and improve their blood sugar control, with the hope of keeping them healthier in the long run.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,620 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK129721-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099717 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 19 years who are diagnosed with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those without a diagnosis of obesity and type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on adolescents with obesity and type 2 diabetes, aiming to explore the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in reducing body mass index (BMI) and improving insulin sensitivity. The study will involve administering liraglutide, a medication that helps control blood sugar levels and suppress appetite, to see if it can lead to significant weight loss and better health outcomes. By targeting this younger population, the research seeks to provide a more aggressive treatment approach that could prevent the progression of diabetes-related complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve weight management and metabolic health in adolescents with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults, but this specific approach in adolescents is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bensignor , Megan O — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bensignor , Megan O
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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.