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Metformin's Effect on Glucagon-induced Glucose Production and Protein Metabolism.

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Mayo Clinic

Status and phase

Completed
Phase 1

Conditions

Prediabetic State
Insulin Resistance

Treatments

Drug: Placebo
Drug: Metformin

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT01956929
13-004966

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study is being done to understand metformin's mechanisms of action regarding glucose production, protein metabolism, and mitochondrial function.

Full description

It is believed that Metformin antagonizes the action of glucagon through different pathways. In mice, Metformin leads to inhibition of adenylate cyclase, reduction of levels of cyclic AMP and protein kinase A (PKA) activity, therefore blocking glucagon-dependent glucose output form hepatocytes. Glucagon plays an important role in the increased catabolic state seen in insulin deficiency. Hyperglucagonaemia states have been shown to accelerate proteolysis and leucine oxidation in insulin-deficient humans. Patients with insulin resistance and increased levels of glucagon have an increased in energy expenditure which may contribute to the catabolic state associated with this condition. We hypothesized that treatment with Metformin for 2 weeks will significantly inhibit glucagon-induced endogenous glucose production in insulin resistant individuals. We also hypothesized that glucagon-induced alterations in whole body protein metabolism and the increases in O2 consumption associated with hyperglucagonaemia states will be significantly inhibited by Metformin in these individuals. This would open the door for the development of other antidiabetic drugs with antagonism of glucagon as their principal mechanism of action.

Enrollment

12 patients

Sex

All

Ages

35 to 65 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

  • 35-65 years of age
  • Fasting blood glucose >100 mg/dl
  • BMI 27-36 kg/m2
  • Waist Circumference: Men ≥ 104 cm; women ≥ 88 cm
  • If previously on anti-diabetic medication, should be off for at least 1 month

Exclusion criteria

  • Active use of hypoglycemic agents (< 1 month)
  • Renal failure, creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dL in men or ≥ 1.4 mg/dL in women
  • Alanine aminotransferase levels exceed 135 IU/L or aspartate aminotransferase levels exceed 129 IU/L (3 x the upper limit of normal)
  • Congestive Heart Failure (EF < 40 %)
  • Active coronary artery disease
  • Recent (less than 6 weeks) or planned imaging study requiring IV contrast
  • Participation in structured exercise (> 2 hr per week)
  • Recent change in dietary habits or weight
  • Tobacco use
  • Use of systemic glucocorticoids
  • Anti-coagulant therapy (warfarin/heparin)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Alcohol consumption greater than 2 drinks/day
  • Uncontrolled Hypothyroidism, abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone levels
  • Metformin Allergy

Trial design

Primary purpose

Basic Science

Allocation

Randomized

Interventional model

Crossover Assignment

Masking

Double Blind

12 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Metformin
Experimental group
Description:
2 weeks of Metformin use. First week 1000mg/day, Second week Max dose of 2000 mg/day.
Treatment:
Drug: Metformin
Placebo
Placebo Comparator group
Description:
2 weeks of Placebo (lactulose pills)
Treatment:
Drug: Placebo

Trial contacts and locations

1

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Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov

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