Exploring arginine metabolism in youth with type 2 diabetes

Arginine Metabolism in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes

Not applicable Interventional Baylor College of Medicine · NCT05477134

This study is testing how arginine affects insulin and diabetes management in young people with type 2 diabetes to see if giving extra arginine can help improve their condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 20 Years
SexAll
SponsorBaylor College of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05477134 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the role of arginine metabolism in youth with type 2 diabetes (T2D) through minimally invasive experiments using stable isotope tracers and targeted metabolomics. It aims to understand how arginine affects insulin secretion and β-cell function in this population. The study will also assess the impact of administering exogenous arginine on improving diabetes outcomes in youth. By focusing on a demographic that has seen a significant rise in T2D cases, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic avenues for managing this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are youth aged 12 to 20 with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and specific inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with poorly controlled diabetes, a history of diabetic ketoacidosis, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safe and effective nutritional intervention to improve insulin secretion and overall diabetes management in youth.

How similar studies have performed: While studies in adults have shown promising results regarding arginine's effects on insulin secretion, this specific approach in youth with T2D is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Youth with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls who meet other inclusion criteria outlined below.
2. Age and pubertal stage criteria (12- to 20-year-old girls who are postmenarchal, and 14- to 20-year-old boys who are at Tanner stage 5 genitalia),
3. Additional criteria for youth with diabetes: i. diagnosis of T2D, and ii. diabetes duration between 3 months and 10 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
2. Poorly controlled diabetes defined as HbA1c \>7.5%,
3. Abnormal liver, thyroid, gonadal or adrenal functions,
4. Renal insufficiency defined by eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) \<90 mL/min/1.73 m2,
5. Any glucose lowering medications except metformin, insulin and liraglutide

(7) Any medication use that will likely to interfere amino acid metabolism, (8) Any hormonal replacement therapy, and (9) Pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Type 2 DiabetesChildrenPediatric type 2 diabetesPediatric diabetesArginineYouth
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.