NCT06392854 · Mayo Clinic
Regional Lipolysis Insulin Regulation
What this study is about
Adults who gain most of their excess weight in the abdominal area typically do not respond to insulin in the same way as lean adults. Researchers are trying to understand why fat tissue responds differently in people with different body types.
View original scientific description
Adults who gain most of their excess weight in the abdominal area typically do not respond to insulin in the same way as lean adults. Researchers are trying to understand why fat tissue responds differently in people with different body types.
Interventions
DRUG
Insulin
2 dose insulin infusion 4 hours
Primary outcome measures
palmitate release
Time frame: The study will be conducted in a single day and will last approximately 6 hours
regional palmitate release rates (micromol/min) will be measured using a combination of leg and splanchnic blood flow combined with stable isotope tracer measurements of palmitate uptake and release across the leg and splanchnic bed. Upper body, non-splanchnic palmitate release will be calculated as: total palmitate release - (splanchnic palmitate release + (leg palmitate release x 2)). Release rates will be measured at baseline (overnight fasting) and in response to the infusion of insulin at low and medium rates. This will allow us to create dose-response curves for leg, splanchnic and upper body non-splanchnic adipose tissue palmitate release.
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
- Males and females 18-65years who are able to comprehend instructions, follow study procedures and who willing to provide written, informed consent will be included. The volunteers will consume an isoenergetic diet eating all meals from Mayo Clinical Research Trials Unit (CRTU) for 3 days prior to study.
- Overweight/Obese volunteers will have a BMI 29.0 - 37.0 kg/m2
- Upper body/visceral obesity (UBO) in women will be defined as those with a waist-hip ratio (WHR) \> 0.85 and/or increased visceral fat by single slice CT scan, usually with \> 120 cm2 of visceral fat by CT scanning or a visceral fat/total fat ratio of \> 0.30, and/or biochemical evidence of metabolic syndrome as defined by ATP III criteria (fasting plasma triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL, HDL-cholesterol \< 50 mg/dL for women and \< 40 mg/dL for men, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL). Upper body obesity in men will be defined as a waist-hip ratio of \>0.95 and/or increased visceral fat (visceral fat area \> 180 cm2 or a visceral/total fat abdominal ratio by CT of \> 0.40) by single slice CT scan and/or biochemical evidence of metabolic syndrome as defined by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) III criteria. These visceral fat values are based upon the data collected at Mayo Clinic using our methods, and are correlated with dyslipidemia and hyperinsulinemia.
- Lower body obesity (LBO) in women will be defined as a waist-hip ratio of \<0.75 and/or a lower visceral fat by single slice CT scan, usually \< 120 cm2 or a visceral fat/total fat ratio of ≤ 0.30 and fasting plasma triglycerides within the normal range. The term "lower body men" is used to describe a male phenotype that is characteristic of adipose insulin sensitivity even with excess body fat. A waist to hip ratio isn't suitable for this description as it is for women. LBO men will be defined as obese men with normal fasting plasma triglycerides, normal fasting plasma glucose and greater proportional leg fat via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
- Female subjects are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- Are not pregnant or nursing.
- All women of childbearing potential will have a negative urine pregnancy test at screening and a negative urine pregnancy test day of admission for inpatient study visit.
Exclusion criteria
- Individuals with a history of a disease process such as:
- Ischemic heart disease
- Atherosclerotic valvular disease
- Persistent blood pressure greater than 160/95 despite antihypertensive medication
- Diagnosis Diabetes Mellitus
- Concomitant use of medications that can alter free fatty acid metabolism, including, but not limited to niacin, thiazolidinediones, beta-blockers, oral or injected corticosteroids or anabolic steroids.
- Allergy to lidocaine
- Allergy to indocyanine green.
Where
- Rochester, Minnesota
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Related conditions & keywords
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 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations