UCF Researcher Pioneers New Therapy for Diabetic Neuropathy
Neuropathy—chronic pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet—significantly impacts many individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Now, a researcher at the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine is investigating a novel approach to treat this debilitating condition, potentially offering relief without relying on traditional pain pills and antidepressants.
A New Approach to Neuropathy Treatment
Assistant Professor Jim Nichols is leading the research, focusing on previously overlooked mechanisms within the body. His function explores how the inability to produce insulin has “downstream” consequences, particularly affecting how the brain processes and registers sensation in the limbs. This research is supported by a $747,000 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). UCF News
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes and Neuropathy
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections to survive. UF Health Diabetic neuropathy develops when high blood sugar levels damage nerves, often starting in the feet and legs. This nerve damage can lead to a loss of sensation, making injuries like cuts, blisters, and infections go unnoticed and potentially leading to amputation. UCF News
Focus on Insulin Signaling Pathways
Dr. Nichols’ research centers on the theory that irregularities in the insulin signaling pathway of peripheral nerves are a key contributor to diabetic neuropathy. He aims to discover ways to alter this pathway to prevent nerve degeneration and alleviate symptoms. His team will spend the next three years documenting the behavior of neurons, their signaling systems, and surrounding cells to identify effective regulatory mechanisms. UCF News
Moving Beyond Traditional Pain Therapies
While existing treatments like opioids and antidepressants can manage neuropathy symptoms, Dr. Nichols hopes to develop a more viable alternative. “There are typical pain therapies out there, although we’re trying to move away from that because diabetic neuropathy isn’t incredibly amenable to the basic treatments that we have,” he stated. UCF News
Inspiring the Next Generation of Researchers
Dr. Nichols, who joined UCF in the summer of 2025, emphasizes a “fail fast, fail safe” approach to research, encouraging students to embrace failures as learning opportunities. He aims to inspire students to pursue innovative research directions. UCF News
Personal Connections Fuel the Research
The research team includes individuals with personal connections to diabetes. Chisom Akaniru, a Ph.D. Student in biomedical sciences, joined the lab after her mother died from diabetes complications and her father began showing signs of peripheral neuropathy. Hollie Hayes, the lab manager, was inspired by previous research fighting pediatric tumors and is dedicated to helping those suffering from chronic pain. UCF News
Ongoing Research and Clinical Trials for Type 1 Diabetes
The University of Florida is also actively involved in Type 1 diabetes research through the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, an NIH-sponsored clinical trials network. TrialNet focuses on the study, prevention, and early treatment of Type 1 diabetes, offering screening programs to identify individuals at risk and evaluate new therapies. UF Diabetes Institute The Pathway to Prevention study, offered at UF, uses a blood test to identify risk for Type 1 diabetes up to 10 years before symptoms appear. UF Diabetes Institute