Studying Pancreatic Beta Cell Mass and Function Using PET Imaging in Adults with Diabetes and Obesity

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating pancreatic beta cell functional mass BCFxM, which is the product of beta cell mass BCM and beta cell function BCF. This study aims to measure these two factors in people with obesity and various stages of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The loss of BCFxM is central to the development and progression of both types of diabetes, and this research uses advanced imaging to improve understanding of these changes over time. The study involves using 68Ga-exendin-4 PET-CT scans combined with a mixed meal test to evaluate beta cell mass and function. Participants include groups with long-standing and newly diagnosed type 1 and type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, hyperinsulinemic individuals, and controls. Each participant will undergo the PET-CT scan and mixed meal test to collect detailed measurements of pancreatic beta cell activity. Participants will be monitored for about three months after enrollment. During this time, researchers will assess pancreatic beta cell mass, beta cell function, and their combined functional mass using imaging and blood tests. The mixed meal test involves collecting blood samples to measure glucose, C-peptide, insulin, glucagon, and related hormones. The study focuses on understanding these measures across different groups to better characterize diabetes progression and beta cell health.

Assessment of Pancreatic Beta Cell Mass and Function by Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Human Diabetes Mellitus