Physiologic Response to Glucagon at Varying Insulin Levels

Study Summary

The purpose of this research study is to test how different levels of insulin block the effect of glucagon. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood glucose. Glucagon raises blood glucose. Both are natural hormones made by people without diabetes. Sensor-based blood glucose control studies have been done by our research group using glucagon in small doses to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, sometimes glucagon does not work to raise blood sugar. The investigators believe this is because of too much insulin in the body. This study will help determine how different levels of insulin in the body affect the ability of glucagon to raise blood sugar.

Primary Outcome

The change in the rate of glucose appearance will be assessed by measuring the stable glucose isotope (dideuterated glucose, D2) using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. The units of the area under the curve are defined as milligrams per kilogram of glucose, since the dependent variable is a rate of glucose production \[mg/kg/min\] measured over time \[min\]. The time variable therefore cancels out. Additionally, this area under the curve is being normalized per microgram of glucagon

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• DRUG Insulin
• DRUG Glucagon

Study Locations (1)