Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Probiotics Versus Metformin on Glycemic Control, Insulin Sensitivity and Insulin Secretion in Prediabetes.

Pre diabetes (PD) is a term that refers to alterations in blood glucose levels, including impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or both, and increase in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), all this factors involving a higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The efficacy of pharmacotherapy in the prevention of diabetes in adults with pre diabetes has been demonstrated, the first line of pharmacology treatment is metformin, on the other hand, probiotics administration has been reported to be one of the most widely used approaches to modulate the gut microbiota and subsequently prevent or delay the incidence of T2DM. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Has been demonstrated the hypoglycemic effects of the probiotics in different clinical trials in type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre diabetes, but no yet compared with metformin, for this reason comparing it´s activity against metformin in pre diabetes would provide impact information on a new alternative treatment compared with the standard pharmacological treatment. The aim of the study is evaluate the effect of administration of probiotic versus metformin on glycemic control, insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in patients with pre diabetes.

CGM and Lifestyle Changes in Patients With Impaired Glucose Tolerance

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children is increasing, paralleling the rising incidence of obesity. Preventing children and adolescents from developing T2D is critical. The health benefits of lifestyle modifications are well documented in this population, but success rates are low. Obesity in children and adolescents increases the risk of not only T2D but other complications as well, such as hypertension, dyslipidemias and more. The investigators hypothesize that having real-time glucose data with the use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in obese patients with impaired glucose tolerance will improve adherence to lifestyle modifications. As a result, a decrease in body mass index (BMI) is expected with subsequent improvement in insulin sensitivity, thus reducing risk of obesity-related complications later in childhood/adolescence and adulthood.

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Adiposity, Blood Pressure and Glucose in African Americans

The primary objective is to examine the impact of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) blockade with medications (valsartan) or RAAS and neprilysin inhibition (valsartan/sacubitril) vs. placebo on changes in blood sugar and insulin secretion from the pancreas over 26 weeks assessed with glucose clamp studies among African Americans (AAs) with impaired glucose tolerance. The investigators hypothesize that combined RAAS/neprilysin inhibition will lead to greater improvement in insulin release from the pancreas and improved blood sugar compared to RAAS inhibition alone among AAs with impaired glucose tolerance.

Night Owl Metabolism

The proposed study uses a novel and rigorous randomized cross-over study design in youth (17-23y) with late and non-late chronotype (n=35 per group) to assess the glycemic effect of "aligning" an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or first-meal of day to a subject's chronotype. Both groups will undergo 2 OGTTs (aligned and mis-aligned with chronotype) to compare glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity within-subject (primary outcome) and between groups (Aim 1). Then, youth will also undergo two standardized meals (aligned and mis-aligned with chronotype) while wearing continuous glucose monitoring to compare post-prandial glucose excursions within-subject and between groups (Aim 2). A pilot Exploratory Aim 3 (n=12 per group) will investigate delayed melatonin patterns under dim-light as a potential pathophysiologic mechanism behind abnormal glucose tolerance in youth with late chronotype on morning OGTTs.

Semaglutide Effects in Obese Youth With Prediabetes/New Onset Type 2 Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The purpose of this study is to understand the role of GLP-1 in the pathogenesis of T2D in youth and explore their potential salutary effects and ability to delay the progressive loss of ß-cell function and reduce hepatic steatosis in youth with prediabetes/new onset T2D and NAFLD.

Efficacy and Safety of Sanggua Tablets in the Treatment of Patients With Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Mild Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are growing public health challenges. Early intervention in mild T2DM and IGT is essential to prevent disease progression and severe complications. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a potential therapeutic approach. Sanggua tablets, a TCM formula composed of mulberry leaf, bitter melon, kudzu root, Chinese yam, and cassia seed, embody TCM principles of clearing heat, generating body fluids, tonifying the spleen and stomach, and nourishing the lungs and kidneys. Modern studies show that Sanggua tablets effectively lower blood glucose and improve lipid profiles through components like mulberry polysaccharides and bitter melon saponins. These findings suggest their potential as an alternative or complementary therapy for mild T2DM and IGT. This study will conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial among patients with IGT and mild T2DM. Participants will receive a 16-week intervention with Sanggua tablets. The primary outcome is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), with secondary outcomes such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), HOMA-IR, lipid profiles and so on. Safety will be closely monitored. Additionally, fecal samples will be collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to explore the role of gut microbiota in the therapeutic effects of Sanggua tablets. This study aims to provide evidence for the clinical application and development of Sanggua tablets as a novel TCM therapy.

Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Related to Treatment With Steroids and PEG- Asparaginase in Children and Adolescents With ALL and Lymphoma

The overall survival of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoma in children and adolescents is above 90%. The survival rate has increased significantly during the last decades as a consequence of more intensive chemotherapy. This very toxic treatment results in severe acute toxicities and late effects, which is the biggest challenge today besides survival. The overall purpose of contemporary ALL treatment is to reduce the toxic treatment without compromising the excellent survival rates of these diseases. This study is a part of this. The researchers want to investigate the incidence of glucose intolerance and medicine induced diabetes during treatment for ALL and lymphoma with steroids (prednisolone or dexamethasone) and ± PEG-asparaginase. Steroids and asparaginase are used in the treatment of ALL and lymphomas, and both drugs may induce glucose intolerance or diabetes, especially when they are given concomitantly. The incidence and duration of increased blood glucose levels are not very well investigated, and especially not monitored continuously during treatment phases with steroids and +/- asparaginase, as the investigators want to do in this study. In the study the participants must have a glucose sensor attached under the skin, which continuously measures blood glucose during treatment. Moreover, blood samples are drawn several times to measure insulin sensitivity and beta cell function. The participants are children and adolescents (1.0-17.9 years) with newly diagnosed ALL or lymphoma treated at one of the four Danish pediatric oncology sites. Blood glucose levels are followed during treatment with steroids and PEG-asparaginase in these patient groups. The results may give rise to a new treatment guidelines for measuring and treating blood glucose in these patients. In the future this may help reduce the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in survivors of ALL and lymphoma.

Preliminary Safety and Efficacy Study of Extracellular Vesicle Infusion in the Intervention of Age-related Phenotypes With Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

The objective of this exploratory study was to evaluate the initial safety of human mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle infusion in an age-related phenotype with impaired glucose tolerance

The Effects of an Obesogenic Lifestyle in Recreationally Active, Young Adults

This clinical trial aims to learn about the alterations in insulin resistance and metabolic flexibility following a transition to an obesogenic lifestyle in fit young men and women. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does adding excess carbohydrates when transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle promote insulin resistance and impaired 24hr glucose regulation in healthy men and women? 2. Does adding excess carbohydrates when transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle lower the body's ability to break down fats and carbohydrates in healthy men and women? 3. Does the added physical activity blunt shifts in carbohydrate and fat oxidation in healthy men and women?

Improving Autonomic Function and Balance in Diabetic Neuropathy

Type 2 diabetes (DM2) affects nearly 20 million people in the United States while impaired glucose regulation (IGR), which includes impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and early diabetes affects a considerably larger but unknown population group. At the current time there is no effective therapy to completely prevent, or reverse neuropathy associated with IGR and this represents a considerable challenge in rehabilitation. There is a particularly strong incentive to prevent IGT and related complications from advancing to DM2. IGR is a growing problem among all older adults and its strong association with many functional limitations, particularly mobility limitations, is not always recognized, even though diabetes-related disability occurs in up to 2/3 of older adults with diabetes and is associated with dependency, poor quality of life, and increased acute and long-term care utilization. Autonomic dysfunction is a significant problem in subjects with IGT. The Preliminary Data shows that over 90% of subjects with IGT have an abnormal score on questionnaires about autonomic symptoms such as lightheadedness, dry mouth or dry eyes, pale or blue feet, feet that are colder than the rest of the body, decreased sweating in the feet or increased sweating in the hands, nausea or bloating after eating, persistent diarrhea or constipation, or leaking of urine. In addition, patients with IGR have impaired balance control. These factors can increase the risk of falls in affected subjects. A non-randomized and non-controlled study showed that a diet and exercise intervention in patients with diabetes led to an overall improvement in autonomic function. Furthermore, it was shown that standing balance can be improved with a balance intervention program. However, there are no published studies that assess the effect of an intense physical activity intervention on autonomic function in IGR related neuropathy. This study will test an aerobic exercise and balance intervention in participants with IGR. The investigators will examine if an individually tailored, carefully monitored, Diet, Physical Activity, and Balance Enhancement Program (DPAEP) can improve autonomic function and balance control when compared to patients who receive standard care. Improving balance control and autonomic function can decrease the risk of falls and have a significant effect on the health of participants. The research is also significant because it will test subjects either before they become diabetic, or at an early stage in their diabetes, thus enhancing the chance of reversing the autonomic neuropathy or balance impairment. Furthermore, the study is designed to test whether improvement in autonomic function and balance is associated with improvement in clinical outcomes, quality of life, and the metabolic state of participants. Thus, the proposed interventions are likely to have a real life impact on participants and their health.