NCT06525259 · George Washington University
DISCOVERY of Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth
(DISCOVERY)
What this study is about
The goal of the DISCOVERY study is to provide innovative critical information regarding the unique natural history of glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell function, and their mechanistic determinates, in obese adolescents at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
View original scientific description
The goal of the DISCOVERY study is to provide innovative critical information regarding the unique natural history of glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell function, and their mechanistic determinates, in obese adolescents at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
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
- Screening will occur to enrich the yield of individuals who are highly predisposed to develop youth-onset T2D and include those with all of the following criteria:
- Overweight or obesity with BMI ≥85th percentile
- Age 8-13 year for girls, 9-15 year for boys (inclusion younger for girls as puberty tends to start a year earlier in girls)
- Tanner Stage 2, 3, or 4
- Elevated HbA1c 5.5-6.4%
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation:
- Diabetes based on history, or HbA1c ≥6.5% in the medical record or at screening
- Unable/unwilling to provide consent/participate fully
- Conditions predisposing to diabetes or altering the trajectory of puberty
- Medications affecting glucose dynamics during the screening and enrollment period
- Prior treatment with insulin
- Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist or any weight loss medications in the 6 weeks prior to enrollment
- Planning treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist or any weight loss medications
- Use of metformin or any glucose lowering medication for a reason other than treatment of diabetes (e.g., for PCOS) in the 6 weeks prior to enrollment
- Planning treatment with metformin or any glucose lowering medication or planning to use such medications for a reason other than treatment of diabetes (e.g., for PCOS)
- Known syndromic/monogenic obesity
- Blood disorders impacting HbA1c (e.g., anemia, hemoglobin variants)
- Major systemic organ disease
- History of bariatric surgery or currently planning bariatric surgery
- Current pregnancy or currently planning pregnancy
- Use of GnRH agonist, estrogen, or testosterone
- Individuals who do not speak English or Spanish, given validation of the questionnaires to be utilized
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Los Angeles, California
- Aurora, Colorado
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Shiprock, New Mexico
- Brooklyn, New York
- Garden City, New York
- New York, New York
- The Bronx, New York
And 7 more locations — see the full list below.
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 May 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations