Using glucagon to enhance insulin absorption in type 1 diabetes

Glucagon Enhanced Insulin Absorption in Diabetes Mellitus Type 1

Phase 2 Interventional St. Olavs Hospital · NCT05960565

This study is testing if using small amounts of glucagon with insulin injections can help people with type 1 diabetes absorb insulin better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorSt. Olavs Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Trondheim)
Trial IDNCT05960565 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of microdoses of glucagon administered at the site of insulin injection in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Participants will attend the research facility on two separate days, where they will receive their regular meal insulin dose along with either glucagon or a placebo. Blood samples will be collected frequently to analyze glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels over a 3.5-hour period. The goal is to determine if glucagon can significantly enhance insulin absorption compared to insulin alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with type 1 diabetes for at least one year and controlled HbA1c levels.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have chronic diseases, or known hypersensitivity to glucagon may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved insulin absorption and better blood glucose control for patients with type 1 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, preliminary data from animal studies suggest potential success in enhancing insulin absorption.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1: Type 1 diabetes for at least 1 year. 2. Age 18 - 70 years. 3. Last known HbA1c \<86 mmol/mol. 4. Treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) by an insulin pump or multiple daily insulin injections (MDII).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant women or women trying to conceive.
2. Any chronic disease, including psychiatric illness, judged incompatible with participation in the study.
3. Unfit for participation for any reason judged by the investigators.
4. Known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any of the excipients of the drug formulation.
5. Known phaeochromocytoma. -

Where this trial is running

Trondheim

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 1 Diabetes
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.