New $747K study targets nerve damage in Type 1 diabetes beyond blood sugar control

Dr. Nichols has secured a $747,000 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to investigate peripheral nerve damage in Type 1 diabetes. His research aims to uncover how disrupted insulin signaling in nerves contributes to neuropathy, even when patients receive insulin therapy. The findings could lead to new treatments that address the root cause of neuropathic pain rather than just managing symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells, leading to poor blood sugar control. Despite insulin replacement, many patients develop peripheral neuropathy—a condition that causes numbness, pain, and a higher risk of infections. Dr. Nichols' team hypothesises that insulin signaling problems in the peripheral nervous system drive nerve damage, regardless of blood sugar levels.

Over the next three years, the lab will use molecular biology, electrophysiological tests, and diabetic animal models to study nerve function and synaptic communication. Their goal is to identify intracellular pathways that could be targeted to stop or reverse neuropathy progression. This approach differs from current pain treatments, which often rely on opioids or antidepressants, by focusing on the disease's underlying mechanisms.

Graduate researcher Chisom Akaniru, motivated by personal experience with diabetic complications, has joined the project. Dr. Nichols also emphasises mentorship, encouraging students to engage with the trial-and-error process of scientific research. The team hopes their work will restore normal sensory function and improve quality of life for patients.

The NIDDK-funded study could transform neuropathy treatment by targeting insulin signaling in nerves. If successful, the research may reduce reliance on painkillers and offer a long-term solution for diabetic nerve damage. The project's outcomes will depend on findings from molecular and in vivo experiments over the coming years.