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Effects of Ketone Bodies on Insulin Sensitivity
Sponsor: University of Aarhus
Summary
KETO-SENSE is a clinical research study investigating how ketone bodies affect energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity in humans. Ketone bodies are naturally produced by the liver during fasting or prolonged exercise and can serve as an alternative fuel for the brain, heart, and muscles. In this study, ten overweight but otherwise healthy adults aged 55-70 years will participate in four study days at Aarhus University Hospital. Participants will receive one of four interventions in a randomized crossover design: 1) growth hormone (GH) and a ketone supplement, 2) GH and placebo, 3) a saline infusion with the ketone supplement, or 4) placebo (saline infusion and placebo supplement). The study uses advanced PET/CT imaging, indirect calorimetry, and tissue biopsies to measure how ketones influence fat breakdown, glucose uptake, and energy expenditure. By understanding these mechanisms, the study aims to clarify whether oral ketone supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism - findings that could be relevant for common conditions such as overweight, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
Official title: KETO-SENSE - Effects of Ketone Bodies on Insulin Sensitivity
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
55 Years - 70 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
10
Start Date
2025-12-02
Completion Date
2028-04
Last Updated
2026-01-22
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Growth Hormone, Human
Continuous intravenous infusion of growth hormone (30 ng·kg-¹·min-¹) for approximately 7 hours to induce physiological lipolysis.
Oral ketone supplement (KetoAid®, KE4)
Oral administration of D-β-hydroxybutyrate ester (R-1,3-butanediol β-hydroxybutyrate).
Saline infusion (placebo)
Continuous IV infusion of isotonic saline as placebo for growth hormone.
Oral placebo drink
Oral administration of an isocaloric placebo drink.
Locations (1)
Aarhus University Hospital
Aarhus N, Denmark