Imaging the pancreas to understand hypoglycemia after gastric bypass surgery

Visualizing Beta Cells in Patients With Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia After Bariatric Surgery

Phase 1 Interventional Radboud University Medical Center · NCT03182192

This study is testing a special imaging technique to see what causes low blood sugar in people who have had gastric bypass surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRadboud University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Arnhem, Gelderland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03182192 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH), a rare complication that can occur after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. By utilizing 68Ga-exendin-4 PET imaging, the researchers aim to differentiate between various underlying causes of HH in patients who have undergone RYGB. The study compares pancreatic imaging results between patients with and without HH to enhance understanding of the condition and optimize treatment strategies. The goal is to identify whether the causes of HH are due to normal beta cell function or an increase in beta cell mass.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults who have undergone RYGB at least two years prior and have normal glucose levels.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diabetes or previous diagnosed hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatments for patients experiencing hypoglycemia after gastric bypass surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery, this specific imaging approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All individuals:

* Signed informed consent
* \> 18

Additional for matched control group:

* RYGB at least 2 years ago
* Normal glucose levels before and after RYGB
* Score \<7 on Sigstad's scoring system
* Individual matched to HH group on age

Exclusion Criteria:

All individuals:

* Anti-diabetic medication in the past 6 months
* Treatment with synthetic exendin in the past 6 months
* Liver failure
* Pregnancy
* Breast feeding
* Kidney failure
* Age \< 18
* No signed informed consent

Additional for matched control group:

* Any diabetic history
* Previous diagnosed HH
* Sigstad's dumping score \>7

Where this trial is running

Arnhem, Gelderland and 1 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 HypoglycemiaBetal cellsRoux- and Y gastic bypassexendinGLP1
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.