NCT06558422

Brief Summary

This is a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled (crossover) clinical study designed to investigate the impact of lowering insulin levels on hepatic glucose production (HGP) vs de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in people with insulin resistance. The investigators will recruit participants with a history of overweight/obesity and evidence of insulin resistance (i.e., fasting hyperinsulinemia plus prediabetes and/or impaired fasting glucose and/or Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance \[HOMA-IR\] score \>=2.73), and with evidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Participants will undergo two pancreatic clamp procedures -- one in which serum insulin levels are maintained near hyperinsulinemic baseline (Maintenance Hyperinsulinemia or "MH" Protocol) and the other in which serum insulin levels are lowered by 50% (Reduction toward Euinsulinemia or "RE" Protocol). In both clamps the investigators will use stable-isotope tracers to monitor hepatic glucose and triglyceride metabolism. The primary outcome will be the impact of steady-state clamp insulinemia on HGP vs DNL.

Trial Health

63
Monitor

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
36

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for phase_1

Timeline
26mo left

Started Jan 2027

Typical duration for phase_1

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
not yet recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

August 14, 2024

Completed
2 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

August 16, 2024

Completed
2.4 years until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

January 1, 2027

Expected
2 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

December 31, 2028

2 months until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

February 28, 2029

Last Updated

February 6, 2026

Status Verified

February 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

2 years

First QC Date

August 14, 2024

Last Update Submit

February 4, 2026

Conditions

Keywords

Insulin resistanceHyperinsulinemiaDiabetesNon-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseMetabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

  • Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) (absolute value)

    Percent incorporation of newly synthesized fatty acids into plasma or very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride (TG) during pancreatic clamp procedures. (Unit: %)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) (relative value)

    Percent incorporation of newly synthesized fatty acids into plasma or VLDL TG during pancreatic clamp procedures. (Unit: fold difference and/or ∆% versus other group)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Endogenous glucose production (EGP) (absolute value)

    Calculated from D2G tracer enrichment by the Steele equations during pancreatic clamp procedures. (Units: mg/kg/min)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Endogenous glucose production (EGP) (relative value)

    Calculated from D2G tracer enrichment by the Steele equations during pancreatic clamp procedures. (Units: fold difference and/or ∆% versus other group)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Plasma glucose level

    Plasma glucose level during pancreatic clamp procedures. (Units: mg/dL)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Serum insulin level

    Serum insulin level during pancreatic clamp procedures (Units: µU/mL)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

Secondary Outcomes (6)

  • Serum or plasma triglyceride level

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Plasma free fatty acids level

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Glucose kinetics: rate of appearance (absolute value)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Glucose kinetics: rate of appearance (relative value)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Glucose kinetics: rate of disappearance (absolute value)

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • +1 more secondary outcomes

Other Outcomes (3)

  • Serum C-peptide level

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Plasma glucagon level

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

  • Serum growth hormone level

    Up to 6.5 hours of pancreatic clamp protocol

Study Arms (2)

Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) Protocol

EXPERIMENTAL

On Pancreatic Clamp Visit 1 (MH Protocol), the insulin infusion rate (IIR) will be set to approximately replicate participants' endogenous fasting serum insulin levels based on screening visit data for the duration of the pancreatic clamp. On Pancreatic Clamp Visit 2 (RE Protocol), the IIR will be set to reduce serum insulin levels to roughly 50% of the screening fasting serum insulin for the duration of the pancreatic clamp. In both cases, plasma glucose will be clamped to approximately 140 mg/dL +/- 10%.

Drug: Insulin humanDrug: Octreotide AcetateDrug: GlucagonDrug: Growth Hormone, HumanDrug: 20% D-glucose (aq)Diagnostic Test: [6,6-2H2] D-glucoseDiagnostic Test: [1-13C1] sodium acetateDietary Supplement: Nestle BOOST PlusDietary Supplement: KIND BarDevice: Harvard Apparatus PHD ULTRA CP syringe pumpDevice: Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) 2500 Biochemistry Glucose/Lactate Analyzer

Reduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

EXPERIMENTAL

On Pancreatic Clamp Visit 1 (RE Protocol), the insulin infusion rate (IIR) will be set to produce serum insulin levels of approximately 50% that of the screening fasting serum insulin level for the full duration of the pancreatic clamp. On Pancreatic Clamp Visit 2 (MH Protocol), the IIR will be set to approximately replicate the full fasting serum insulin for the duration of the pancreatic clamp. In both cases, plasma glucose will be clamped to approximately 140 mg/dL +/- 10%.

Drug: Insulin humanDrug: Octreotide AcetateDrug: GlucagonDrug: Growth Hormone, HumanDrug: 20% D-glucose (aq)Diagnostic Test: [6,6-2H2] D-glucoseDiagnostic Test: [1-13C1] sodium acetateDietary Supplement: Nestle BOOST PlusDietary Supplement: KIND BarDevice: Harvard Apparatus PHD ULTRA CP syringe pumpDevice: Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) 2500 Biochemistry Glucose/Lactate Analyzer

Interventions

Insulin infusion rate (IIR) will be determined either to maintain fasting serum insulin levels (MH protocol) or to reduce fasting serum insulin levels by approximately 50% toward euinsulinemia (RE protocol).

Also known as: Novolin-R, Humulin-R
Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

Octreotide will be infused at 30 ng/kg/min to suppress endogenous insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone secretion. Co-administered with glucagon and rhGH.

Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

Glucagon will be replaced at a constant rate of up to 0.65 ng/kg/min to maintain baseline counterregulatory response. Co-administered with octreotide and rhGH.

Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) will be replaced at a constant rate of up to 3 ng/kg/min to maintain baseline counterregulatory response. Co-administered with octreotide and glucagon.

Also known as: Omnitrope, Zomacton
Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

20% D-glucose (aq) (D20W) will be administered to counteract hypoglycemia or strongly downward blood glucose trends, as needed.

Also known as: D20W
Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol
[6,6-2H2] D-glucoseDIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Stable isotope tracer administered to calculate glucose kinetics during pancreatic clamp.

Also known as: D2-glucose, D2G
Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

Stable isotope tracer administered to calculate de novo lipogenesis during pancreatic clamp.

Also known as: 13C-acetate, C13A
Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol
Nestle BOOST PlusDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Nutritional supplement will be administered to provide standardized "mixed meals" prior to the pancreatic clamp.

Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol
KIND BarDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Energy bar snack will be administered the evening before the pancreatic clamp.

Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

Syringe pump used for highly precise administration of insulin, octreotide/glucagon/rhGH, and D20W (as needed) even at low infusion rates.

Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

Glucose oxidase analyzer used to detect plasma glucose levels at the point of care. YSI have been the gold standard in clamp studies for many years. Two machines will run in parallel to ensure accuracy of results.

Maintenance hyperinsulinemia (MH) Protocol then Reduction toward Euinsulinemia (RE) ProtocolReduction toward euinsulinemia (RE) protocol

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 65 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Men and women, ages 18-65 years
  • Body mass index of 27-50 kg/m2
  • Able to understand written and spoken English and/or Spanish
  • Evidence of insulin resistance, represented by any or all of the following criteria:
  • Meeting either of the American Diabetes Association's definitions for prediabetes or Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) within the previous year and on screening labs:
  • Prediabetes: Hemoglobin A1c 5.7-6.4%
  • IFG: plasma glucose of 100-125 mg/dL after 8-h fast
  • Homeostasis Model of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) score ≥ 2.73
  • Fasting hyperinsulinemia (fasting insulin level ≥ 13 µU/mL) on screening labs
  • Presence of uncomplicated MASLD, defined by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) as a steatosis score S1-S3 + fibrosis score F0-F2
  • Written informed consent (in English or Spanish) and any locally required authorization (e.g., Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) obtained from the participant prior to performing any protocol-related procedures, including screening evaluations.

You may not qualify if:

  • Unable to provide informed consent in English or Spanish
  • Unwillingness to use only bedpan or urinal to void or to refrain from non-emergent mobile device use during the clamp
  • Documented weight loss of ≥ 5% of baseline within the previous 3 months
  • Abnormal blood pressure (including on treatment, if prescribed)
  • Systolic blood pressure \< 90 mm Hg or \> 160 mm Hg, and/or
  • Diastolic blood pressure \< 60 mm Hg or \> 100 mm Hg
  • Abnormal resting heart rate: \< 60 or ≥ 110 bpm
  • Sinus brady- or tachycardia that has been worked up and considered benign by the recruit's personal physician may be permitted at the PI's discretion
  • Abnormal screening electrocardiogram (or if on file, performed within previous 90 days)
  • Laboratory evidence of diabetes mellitus:
  • Hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%, and/or
  • Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL
  • Positive qualitative β-hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin, β subunit) (i.e., pregnancy test) in women of childbearing potential
  • Positive urine drug screen, except for lawfully prescribed medications and/or marijuana
  • Liver function abnormalities (either of the following)
  • +55 more criteria

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

New York, New York, 10032, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Insulin ResistanceHyperinsulinismNon-alcoholic Fatty Liver DiseasePrediabetic StateObesityDiabetes Mellitus

Interventions

InsulinOctreotideGlucagonHuman Growth HormoneGlucose

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Glucose Metabolism DisordersMetabolic DiseasesNutritional and Metabolic DiseasesFatty LiverLiver DiseasesDigestive System DiseasesEndocrine System DiseasesOverweightOvernutritionNutrition DisordersBody WeightSigns and SymptomsPathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

ProinsulinInsulinsPancreatic HormonesPeptide HormonesHormonesHormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone AntagonistsPeptidesAmino Acids, Peptides, and ProteinsPeptides, CyclicMacrocyclic CompoundsPolycyclic CompoundsProglucagonGrowth HormonePituitary Hormones, AnteriorPituitary HormonesHexosesMonosaccharidesSugarsCarbohydrates

Study Officials

  • Joshua R Cook, MD, PhD

    Columbia University

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Joshua R Cook, MD, PhD

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
phase 1
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT
Masking Details
Participant will be blinded to study group assignment.
Purpose
BASIC SCIENCE
Intervention Model
CROSSOVER
Model Details: All participants will undergo (i.e., cross over between) both pancreatic clamp protocols (MH, RE) separated by 2-8 weeks. The order of the clamp protocols (i.e., MH \> RE, RE \> MH) will be randomized.
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Assistant Professor of Medicine

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

August 14, 2024

First Posted

August 16, 2024

Study Start (Estimated)

January 1, 2027

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 31, 2028

Study Completion (Estimated)

February 28, 2029

Last Updated

February 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will share

Participant-level clinical data will be preserved by depositing the deidentified data to Dryad, a generalist repository that is participating in the NIH Generalist Repository Ecosystem Initiative. The repository will provide metadata, persistent identifiers, and long-term access for open and controlled access. Each study created in Dryad is assigned a digital object identifier (DOI). This data DOI will be referenced in the publication to allow the research community easy access to the exact data used in the publication. To protect research participants' privacy and confidentiality, data submitted to the repository will not include personally identifiable information such as names or addresses. Additional protections, such as the approach for managing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act identifiers, will be used for de-identification and to provide a limited data set to minimize the risk of participant reidentification.

Time Frame
Scientific data will be shared as soon as possible. Scientific data included in published manuscripts will be available at the time of publication; all other generated scientific data will be shared no later than the end of the award. The study data will be stored in the repository for at least 5 years.
Access Criteria
To request access of the data, researchers will use the standard processes at Dryad. Given that we seek the widest possible availability, in most cases all that is necessary is obtaining a Dryad account from the repository web site.

Locations