Impact of Fasting on Low Blood Sugar Responses in Type 1 Diabetes

Effect of Fasting on Hypoglycemic Counterregulation in Type 1 Diabetes

Not applicable Interventional University of Cincinnati · NCT05973799

This study is testing how fasting affects the body’s response to low blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes to see if it makes managing their condition harder.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Cincinnati Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT05973799 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how fasting affects the body's hormonal and liver responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Participants will undergo two trials: one after eating a controlled breakfast and lunch, and another after fasting. The goal is to understand whether fasting diminishes the body's ability to counteract low blood sugar levels, which is a significant challenge for T1D management. By examining these responses, the study aims to identify potential strategies to improve glycemic control in T1D patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-obese individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who are C-peptide negative.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, smoke, or have other significant health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for preventing hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that fasting can negatively impact hormonal responses to hypoglycemia, suggesting that this approach is novel and may provide new insights into T1D management.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* males and females of any race or ethnicity
* non-obese (BMI \< or = to 30)
* have a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes
* C-peptide negative

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnant women
* cigarette smoking
* Taking inflammation-targeting steroids (e.g., prednisone).
* Taking medications targeting adrenergic signaling (e.g., beta-blockers, bronchodilators).
* Hematocrit less than 33%.
* Presence of HIV or hepatitis (due to their deleterious effects on the liver).
* The presence of cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease.
* The presence of neuropathy, retinopathy or nephropathy.
* A detection of the presence of any other disease or condition by one of the study doctors, that would be expected to confound the responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia or make participation in the study dangerous to the individual.

Where this trial is running

Cincinnati, Ohio

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 HypoglycemiaType1diabetesglucagonhepatic glucose metabolismliver glycogen
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.