UCF Professor Receives Grant to Research New Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment
Neuropathy, characterized by chronic pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet, affects many Type 1 diabetes patients.
Dr. Jim Nichols, an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine, has received a $747,000 R00 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (under NIH). The grant supports his research into a new treatment approach for diabetic neuropathy, aiming to reduce reliance on pain medication and antidepressants.
Research Focus
Dr. Nichols's research investigates overlooked mechanisms in the body, specifically how the inability to produce insulin can lead to "downstream" consequences, affecting how the brain processes sensation in the limbs. His theory centers on irregularities in the insulin signaling pathway of peripheral nerves as a key contributor to diabetic neuropathy.
The goal is to discover new pathways to regulate and improve neuron signaling, preventing nerve degeneration. This research seeks to find a treatment that can be integrated with improved blood sugar management, potentially mitigating complications such as unnoticed injuries that can lead to infection and amputation.
Addressing Treatment Gaps
Current approved therapies for neuropathy often involve opioids and antidepressants, which Dr. Nichols notes are not always effective for diabetic neuropathy. His team aims to develop a more viable alternative for diabetic patients.
The Research Team
During the next three years, Dr. Nichols and his team will document neuron behavior, their signaling systems, and surrounding cells to find methods for regulation to alleviate neuropathy symptoms. Team members include Ph.D. student Chisom Akaniru, whose parents suffered from diabetes, and lab manager Hollie Hayes, who has a background in neuroscience research.