Effects of glucagon on liver metabolism in obesity and diabetes

The Effects of Glucagon on Hepatic Metabolism

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT05500586

This study tests how glucagon affects liver function and metabolism in people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes to see if it can help manage their blood sugar levels better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05500586 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how glucagon affects liver metabolism, particularly in individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It aims to understand the relationship between glucagon's action on amino acid metabolism and hepatic lipid metabolism in both lean and obese subjects. The research will explore whether glucagon resistance is influenced by obesity, liver fat accumulation, or both, and how this impacts postprandial glucose levels. Participants will undergo glucagon response studies to assess these interactions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who are willing to participate and can provide consent.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of upper abdominal surgery, active systemic illness, or contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for obesity and Type 2 diabetes by enhancing our understanding of glucagon's role in metabolism.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding glucagon's role in metabolism, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Willing to participate
* Able to give consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of prior upper abdominal surgery e.g. gastric banding, pyloroplasty, vagotomy.
* Active systemic illness or malignancy.
* Symptomatic macrovascular or microvascular disease.
* Contraindications to MRI (e.g. metal implants, claustrophobia).
* Hematocrit \< 35%
* TSH \< 0.4 or \> 5.5.
* Consumption of \> 2 alcohol drinks per day or \> 14 per week or a positive AUDIT questionnaire

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ObesityType2diabetesNAFLDglucagoninsulin resistancehepatic steatosisamino acid metabolism
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.