NCT03540758 · Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Regulation of Endogenous Glucose Production by Central KATP Channels
What this study is about
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects the ability of the body to process glucose (sugar). Under fasting conditions, the liver is able to make sugar to maintain glucose levels in an important process called endogenous glucose production (EGP). Previous studies suggest that the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, helps to regulate levels of glucose in the body by communicating with the liver.
View original scientific description
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects the ability of the body to process glucose (sugar). Under fasting conditions, the liver is able to make sugar to maintain glucose levels in an important process called endogenous glucose production (EGP). Previous studies suggest that the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, helps to regulate levels of glucose in the body by communicating with the liver. This process can be impaired in people with type 2 diabetes, and can contribute to the high level of glucose seen in these individuals. The purpose of this study is to understand how activating control centers of the brain with a medication called diazoxide can affect how much glucose (sugar) is made by the liver. This is particularly important for people with diabetes who have very high production of glucose, which in turn can lead to diabetes complications.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- For healthy (non-diabetic) participants:
- Age: 21-70 years old
- Body Mass Index (BMI) under 40 kg/m\^2
- Negative drug screen (see below)
- Normal Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting glucose
- In general good health (see below for
Exclusion criteria
- Not participating in any other research study besides those done by the study team For T2D participants:
- Age: 21-70 years old
- BMI under 40 kg/m\^2
- Stable and moderate-to-poor glycemic control (HbA1c: 8.0-12.0%)
- Negative drug screen (see below)
- Not suffering from a previously diagnosed proliferative retinopathy, significant diabetic renal disease (urinary microalbumin \<100 μg/dl) or severe peripheral neuropathy (including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal autonomic neuropathy) per medical history
- Diabetic subjects will be otherwise in good health (see below for exclusions), taking no medications that might affect study eligibility based on review by study doctor, and not participating in any other research study besides those done by the study team Exclusion Criteria:
- Age: Under 21 or over 70 years old
- BMI: \>40 kg/m\^2 for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Non-Diabetic (ND) subjects
- Blood pressure \>150/90 or \<90/60 on more than one occasion
- Severe polydipsia and polyuria (in subjects with T2D). Since polydipsia and polyuria are common symptoms of T2D, the distinction "severe" denotes that the subject indicates a worsening in the symptoms and/or an experience of discomfort related to the symptoms at the time of screening and/or at the time of withdrawal from the medications
- Urine microalbumin: \>300 mg/g of creatinine (in subjects with T2D)
- Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia defined as Triglycerides (TG) \> 400 mg/dL and/or Total Cholesterol \>300 mg/dL
- Clinically significant liver dysfunction including thrombocytopenia (platelets \<100,000/uL), anemia (as below), hypoalbuminemia (\<3.5 g/dL), coagulopathy (INR \> 1.5), and/or liver enzymes more than 3 times the upper limit of normal
- Clinically significant kidney dysfunction, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): \<60 mg/dL
- Clinically significant anemia. Prospective subjects with hemoglobin below the lower limit of 12 g/dl for for men and 11 g/dL for women will be assessed with history and physical exam to rule out clinically significant anemia, defined as an individual with symptoms (e.g., fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations), signs (pallor, brittle nails etc.), or currently under treatment for anemia. In the absence of a documented hemoglobin decrease or iron deficiency, subjects will not be excluded
- Clinically significant leukocytosis or leukopenia
- Clinically significant thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis
- Coagulopathy
- Urine drug screen positive for any of the following: amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methadone, opiates, oxycodone, phencyclidine (PCP). Amphetamines, oxycodone, opiates, methadone, and benzodiazepines have been shown to affect glucose metabolism (increased glycemia, increased fasting insulin levels, delayed insulin response to food ingestion, insulin deficiency). As the drug test available in the Clinical Research Center (CRC) is a 7-drug panel, the investigator team cannot specifically choose which drugs are screened for. Additionally, in the interest of selecting patients on the basis of their reliability and dependability, the investigator team would like to exclude participants using illicit drugs. Occasional use of cannabis (once or twice per week) is not an exclusion factor. If the test is read as "indeterminate" it will be repeated at the bedside and an additional sample will be sent to the lab. Decision to enroll subject that day prior to results from lab being available will be decided on a case-by-case basis, i.e., when all previous drug testing had been negative and clinical suspicion is very low
- Urinalysis: Clinically significant abnormalities
- Clinically significant electrolyte abnormalities
- Smoking \>10 cigarettes/day
- Alcohol: Men \>14 drinks/week or \>4 drinks/day, Women \>7 drinks/week or \>3 drinks/day
- History of chronic liver disease, active hepatitis infection, HIV/AIDS, chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or greater), active cancer, cardiovascular disease or other heart disease, systemic rheumatologic conditions, seizures, bleeding disorders, muscle disease
- Surgeries that involve removal of endocrine glands except for thyroidectomy (if euthyroid on thyroid hormone replacement - if such history free thyroxine (fT4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) will be checked)
- Pregnant women
- Subject enrolled in another study less than one month prior to the anticipated start date of the proposed study, besides those done by our group
- Family history of premature cardiac death
- Allergies to medication administered during study
- Uncontrolled psychiatric disorders
- Any condition which in the opinion of the PI makes the subject ill suited for participation in the study
Where
- The Bronx, New York
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations