Investigating brown fat metabolism in people with Type 2 Diabetes

Quantifying Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Type 2 Diabetes

Not applicable Interventional Université de Sherbrooke · NCT05092945

This study is testing how brown fat works in people with Type 2 Diabetes by using cold exposure and special imaging to see if it can help improve their metabolism.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversité de Sherbrooke Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Sherbrooke, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT05092945 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the metabolism of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes through cold exposure and advanced imaging techniques. Participants will undergo PET/CT and MRI/MRS imaging to evaluate BAT activity using a new PET tracer, C11-palmitate, which provides a more accurate measure of BAT function compared to previous methods. The study involves three visits, including a screening and two imaging sessions, where participants will receive oral nicotinic acid and experience acute cold exposure to stimulate BAT. The goal is to better understand BAT's role in metabolism and its potential therapeutic implications for Type 2 Diabetes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include men and women diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, as well as matched non-diabetic individuals.

Not a fit: Patients with significant recent weight changes, certain medical conditions, or those on specific medications that affect metabolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting brown fat metabolism to improve glucose regulation in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using advanced imaging techniques for BAT assessment is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding BAT's role in metabolism, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 10 men and 10 women with T2D.
* 10 non-diabetic men and 10 non-diabetic women (matched for sex, BMI and age to the T2D participants).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Change in weight of more than 2 kg over the past 3 months or recent changes in lifestyle;
* Treatment with a fibrate, thiazolidinedione, insulin, beta-blocker, GLP-1 agonist, or other drug known to affect lipid or carbohydrate metabolism, except statins, metformin, sulfonylurea, DPP-IV inhibitor and other antihypertensive agents that can be temporarily stopped safely prior to the studies, as per our approved protocols;
* Presence of overt cardiovascular, liver, renal or other medical conditions;
* Smoking or consumption of more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day;
* Any other contraindication to temporarily suspending current medications for lipids or hypertension;
* Any contraindication to MRI scanning.
* Having participated to a research study with exposure to radiation in the last two years before the start of the study.

Where this trial is running

Sherbrooke, Quebec

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 Diabetes
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.