Actively Recruiting
Role of Alpha-to-beta Cell Communication to Adapt Insulin Secretion to Insulin Resistance.
Led by David D'Alessio, M.D. · Updated on 2026-02-05
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
100 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
D
David D'Alessio, M.D.
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Glucagon secretion from α-cells has long been viewed as primarily a counterregulatory mechanism - e.g. an agent with a role to prevent blood sugar from decreasing to levels that compromise function. Our group, along with other researchers, have begun to identify a much more complex role for α-cells, raising questions about when and how glucagon may influence blood glucose levels. This proposal looks to detail proglucagon peptide secretion from α-cells and the impact this has on β-cell function and glucose tolerance, in preclinical studies of human islets and translational studies in human subjects. This protocol registration describes Aim 2 from this NIH grant which involves 2 study populations and separate protocols but addresses a common question. Aim 3 in the grant is focused on a separate hypothesis and will be conducted and published separately from Aim 2.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Role of Alpha-to-beta Cell Communication to Adapt Insulin Secretion to Insulin Resistance.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- For Aim 2A: Age 18 to 45 years
- For Aim 2A: Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 27.0
- For Aim 2A: Fasting plasma glucose less than or equal to 95 mg/dL or HbA1c less than or equal to 5.8% at screening
- For Aim 2B: Age 35 to 60 years
- For Aim 2B: Body Mass Index (BMI) 27.0 or higher
- For Aim 2B: Fasting plasma glucose less than 126 mg/dL or HbA1c less than 6.5% at screening
You will not qualify if you...
- Active medical diseases such as infectious, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, or mental health disorders
- Personal history of diabetes or pancreatitis
- Personal history of cardiac, gastrointestinal, renal, or liver disease
- Immediate family history of diabetes
- Renal insufficiency with eGFR less than 60 mL/kg/min
- Anemia with hematocrit less than 34% at screening
- Pregnant females
- Poor vein access
- Daily use of medications that affect glucose metabolism or gastrointestinal function (glucocorticoids, psychotropics, narcotics, metoclopramide)
- Known sensitivity to the study peptide as determined by skin testing
- For Aim 2B: Elevated AST and/or ALT levels greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Duke Center for Living
Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27705
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Johanna Johnson, MS
CONTACT
A
Alyssa Sudnick, MS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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