Ultrasound imaging to detect type 1 diabetes

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging of Pancreas Blood Flow in type1 Diabetes

Observational University of Colorado, Denver · NCT05482321

This study is testing a new ultrasound method to see if it can help detect type 1 diabetes by measuring blood flow in the pancreas, comparing healthy people to those who have recently been diagnosed.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT05482321 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and test a new ultrasound imaging method to detect type 1 diabetes by measuring blood flow in the pancreas. Researchers will establish a standard operating procedure for assessing pancreas blood flow speed and volume using a contrast agent. The study will compare these measurements between healthy individuals and those who have recently developed type 1 diabetes, while also evaluating variability in measurements over time. Participants will undergo ultrasound scans at the University of Colorado Hospital after providing informed consent.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include males and non-pregnant females aged 18-65 who are willing to participate fully in the study.

Not a fit: Patients with excessive body size preventing effective scans or those with exocrine pancreatic diseases will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection of type 1 diabetes, allowing for timely intervention and management.

How similar studies have performed: While similar ultrasound imaging approaches have been explored, this specific method using contrast-enhanced ultrasound for type 1 diabetes detection is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
All Participants:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or non-pregnant female age 18-65
* Ability and willingness of patient to participate fully in all aspects of this clinical study
* Written informed consent obtained and documented

Exclusion Criteria:

* Excessive body size preventing effective scan of the pancreas as determined by sonographer
* Evidence of exocrine pancreatic disease, including pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, or neuroendocrine tumor.
* Subjects who are pregnant or breast-feeding
* Subjects incapable of giving assent/informed written consent
* Known or suspected hypersensitivity to perflutren
* Known history or suspected unstable cardiopulmonary conditions (acute myocardial infarction, acute coronary artery syndromes, worsening or unstable congestive heart failure, or serious ventricular arrhythmias)

Group 2 (control subjects, part II):

Inclusion criteria:

No additional inclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria:

* Diagnosis of diabetes according to the ADA recommended criteria (blood glucose and HbA1c will be measured)
* Use of medications used to control high blood sugar (GLP1R agonists, metformin\*, sulfonylureas)

  * \*Participants taking metformin will be considered eligible if they are willing/able to stop taking the medication for at least two weeks prior to each scan.
* Any person who has received immunomodulatory intervention within 3 months of enrollment

Group 3 (T1D subjects, part II)

Inclusion criteria:

* Diagnosis of diabetes according to the ADA recommended criteria (blood glucose and HbA1c will be measured)
* Evidence of autoantibodies to at least 1 of the following β-cell autoantigens:

insulin, IA-2, GAD65, ZnT8

* Presence of insulin autoantibody will only be valid if taken within the first 14 days of diagnosis.

  * Diagnosis of diabetes within 180 days prior to participation in the study

Exclusion criteria:

* Use of medications used to control high blood sugar (GLP1R agonists, metformin\*, sulfonylureas)

  * \*Participants taking metformin will be considered eligible if they are willing/able to stop taking the medication for at least two weeks prior to each scan.
* Any person who has received immunomodulatory intervention within 3 months of enrollment

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

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 Type1diabetesInsulitisPancreas Inflamedultrasoundtissue perfusioncontrastdiabetespancreas
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.