Ethnic Differences in Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in the Development of Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes

NCT07666321 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: LSC 24/399
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 39
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

This pilot study investigates the relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and adipose tissue dysfunction across different ethnic groups. Adipose tissue dysfunction is characterised by abnormal fat distribution, including increased visceral, hepatic, and pancreatic fat, elevated inflammatory biomarkers, and impaired metabolic function. T2D is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by insulin resistance and disrupted glucose regulation. In the UK, its prevalence is significantly higher among South Asian and Black African/Caribbean populations than among White Europeans. Differences in adipose tissue distribution, particularly increased visceral fat accumulation, are thought to contribute to this disparity. Adipose tissue dysfunction, including chronic inflammation and altered adipokine secretion, is also associated with the development and progression of T2D. Previous studies have identified ethnic differences in body fat distribution and metabolic risk. Genetic factors influencing adipose tissue function may partly explain variations in fat storage and susceptibility to T2D across populations. However, the specific contribution of adipose tissue dysfunction to ethnic differences in T2D risk remains unclear. Evidence suggests that South Asians tend to have higher levels of liver and ectopic fat and a reduced capacity for safe subcutaneous fat storage, leading to fat accumulation in metabolically harmful sites. These characteristics are associated with increased insulin resistance and T2D risk. In contrast, Black populations often exhibit lower levels of visceral fat but still experience a high prevalence of T2D, indicating that factors beyond fat quantity may contribute to disease risk. Despite extensive research on ethnic disparities in metabolic health, few studies have directly compared markers of adipose tissue dysfunction across South Asian, Black African/Caribbean, and White European populations within a single study. This study aims to address this gap and improve understanding of the mechanisms linking adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance, and T2D. The findings may help inform more targeted prevention and treatment strategies for ethnically diverse populations in the UK.

Conditions

Adiposity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• To investigate ethnic differences in glucose metabolism

  Dynamic glucose and insulin responses during Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT) in mmol/L

  Baseline and after 2 hours and 10 minutes

• To investigate ethnic differences adipose tissue dysfunction

  Regional adipose tissue distribution assessed by MRI. MRI scans will be used to measure the volume and distribution of adipose tissue in specific regions, including visceral adipose tissue (fat surrounding internal organs), subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat beneath the skin), and ectopic fat accumulation in organs such as the liver and pancreas.

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• To investigate ethnic differences in adipokines

  Baseline

• To investigate ethnic differences in inflammatory biomarkers

  Baseline

Study Arms (3)

Black African/Caribbean

Healthy males Black African/Caribbean

Other: Differences in Adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to T2DM - Black African/Caribbean

South Asian

Healthy males South Asian

Other: Differences in Adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to T2DM -South Asian

White European

Healthy males White European

Other: Differences in Adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to T2DM -White European

Interventions

Differences in Adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to T2DM - Black African/Caribbean OTHER

to investigate ethnic differences in adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in overweight and obese men from different ethnic backgrounds

Black African/Caribbean

Differences in Adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to T2DM -South Asian OTHER

to investigate ethnic differences in adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in overweight and obese men from different ethnic backgrounds

South Asian

Differences in Adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to T2DM -White European OTHER

to investigate ethnic differences in adipose tissue dysfunction and its contribution to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in overweight and obese men from different ethnic backgrounds

White European

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: male
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy Male * Aged 18-65 years * Self-identify as one of the following ethnic groups: * Black African/Caribbean * South Asian * White European

You may qualify if:

• Male
• Aged 18-65 years
• Self-identify as one of the following ethnic groups:
• Black African/Caribbean South Asian White European
• Self-reported ancestry from the same ethnic background for at least three generations
• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² and ≤40 kg/m²
• Overweight or obese but otherwise generally healthy
• Generally healthy, with no serious long-term medical conditions or taking medications that may alter body fat distribution
• Residing in the United Kingdom
• Able to understand written and spoken English
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• Willing and able to comply with all study procedures, including:
• Screening assessments
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
• Blood sampling

You may not qualify if:

• Previous diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes mellitus
• HbA1c values within the diabetic range at screening
• Body Mass Index (BMI) \<25 kg/m²
• Presence of chronic medical conditions known to affect:
• glucose metabolism
• insulin sensitivity
• adipose tissue distribution
• inflammatory or metabolic status
• History of cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, endocrine, or metabolic disease that may interfere with study outcomes or participant safety
• Current use of medications known to influence:
• glucose metabolism
• insulin sensitivity
• lipid metabolism
• body composition
• Current use of corticosteroids or other medications affecting metabolic function

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Roehampton: lead

Study Sites (2)

University of Roehampton, School of Life and Health Sciences

London, UK, SW15 4JD, United Kingdom

Location

Adele Costabile

London, SW145JD, United Kingdom

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Obesity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Overweight; Overnutrition; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Body Weight; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• ADELE COSTABILE

  University of Roehampton

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Target Duration: 2 Months
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor in Clinical Nutrition

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 26, 2026
• First Posted: June 24, 2026
• Study Start: January 10, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 12, 2026
• Study Completion: May 15, 2026
• Last Updated: June 30, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Locations

GB (2)