Identifying Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Young People

DISCOVERY of Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

Observational George Washington University · NCT06525259

This study looks at young people who are overweight to see what factors might lead them to develop type 2 diabetes as they grow up.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3600 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorGeorge Washington University Academic / other
Locations20 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 19 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06525259 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The DISCOVERY study aims to investigate the natural history of glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell function in obese adolescents at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This observational study will phenotype a large cohort of youth as they transition through puberty, focusing on the pathophysiological indicators that lead to type 2 diabetes. By gathering deep biochemical, clinical, and psychosocial data, the study seeks to enhance understanding of youth-onset type 2 diabetes and inform future treatment and prevention strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are obese adolescents aged 9-14 years with specific risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria or have conditions unrelated to type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying risk factors for type 2 diabetes in youth, making this approach both relevant and promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 19 other locations

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 Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Childhood-Onset
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.