Effects of glucagon on liver metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes after reducing calorie intake

The Effects of Glucagon on Hepatic Metabolism in People With Type 2 Diabetes After Caloric Restriction

Phase 2 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT05499702

This study is testing how cutting calories affects the way glucagon works in the liver for people with type 2 diabetes to see if it helps improve their blood sugar control.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05499702 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how caloric restriction influences glucagon's role in liver metabolism among individuals with type 2 diabetes. It aims to understand the relationship between caloric intake, glucagon action, and metabolic parameters such as amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. By comparing the effects of caloric restriction on hepatic glucagon action to baseline measurements, the study seeks to clarify the mechanisms behind improved insulin action and reduced fasting glucose levels. The research will involve interventions like caloric restriction and hyperglycemic clamps to assess metabolic changes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are weight-stable adults with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 28 kg/m² or higher, managed by diet or oral medications.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for type 2 diabetes through enhanced understanding of glucagon's role in metabolism.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that caloric restriction can improve metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* We will recruit up to 20 weight-stable, subjects with type 2 diabetes
* BMI ≥ 28 Kg/M2
* Diabetes is managed by diet alone or a combination of oral agents

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 Type2diabetesglucagoninsulin resistancecaloric restrictionhepatic steatosisamino acid metabolism
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.