Regulation of Endogenous Glucose Production by Central KATP Channels
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects the ability of the body to process glucose (sugar). Under fasting conditions, the liver is able to make sugar to maintain glucose levels in an important process called endogenous glucose production (EGP). Previous studies suggest that the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, helps to regulate levels of glucose in the body by communicating with the liver. This process can be impaired in people with type 2 diabetes, and can contribute to the high level of glucose seen in these individuals. The purpose of this study is to understand how activating control centers of the brain with a medication called diazoxide can affect how much glucose (sugar) is made by the liver. This is particularly important for people with diabetes who have very high production of glucose, which in turn can lead to diabetes complications.
⁃ For healthy participants:
• Age: 21-70 years old
• Body Mass Index (BMI) under 35
• Negative drug screen
• Normal Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting glucose
• No family history of diabetes among first degree relatives (e.g., mother, father)
⁃ For T2D participants:
• Age: 21-70 years old
• BMI under 35
• Stable and moderate-to-poor glycemic control (HbA1c: 8.0-12.0%)
• Negative drug screen
• Not suffering from a previously diagnosed proliferative retinopathy, significant diabetic renal disease or severe neuropathy (including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction).