Why bones weaken in type 1 diabetes
Origins of Skeletal Fragility in Type 1 Diabetes
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-11325828
Finding how low insulin and IGF‑1 levels make bones weaker in people with type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11325828 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks for reasons why people with type 1 diabetes often have lower bone density and higher fracture risk. Researchers will combine lab work in mouse and cell models with observations from people with T1D to trace how insulin and IGF‑1 affect bone‑forming cells, bone matrix quality, and microarchitecture. They will examine signaling pathways such as AKT and test whether restoring insulin/IGF‑1 actions improves bone formation in models. The team aims to identify molecular targets or treatment approaches that could better protect bone strength in people with T1D.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 diabetes—especially those with early disease, low insulin/IGF‑1 levels, or signs of low bone density—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without type 1 diabetes or whose bone problems are caused mainly by other conditions (for example long‑term steroid use) may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments or strategies to prevent bone loss and reduce fracture risk in people with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and some observational human data show that insulin and IGF‑1 support bone formation and that replacing them improves bone strength in rodents, while formal clinical trials in people remain limited.
Where this research is happening
LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY — LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FOWLKES, JOHN L — UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
- Study coordinator: FOWLKES, JOHN L
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 below.
Conditions: Brittle Diabetes Mellitus