Graded Insulin Suppression Test P&F
Recruiting · New York, New York
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
The goal of this study is to learn about how the hormone insulin controls blood sugar in a variety of people. The main question it aims to answer is about how much insulin the body actually needs to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
The goal of this study is to learn about how the hormone insulin controls blood sugar in a variety of people. The main question it aims to answer is about how much insulin the body actually needs to maintain a normal blood sugar level. Participants will be asked to come in for a one-day study visit in which they will undergo a "graded insulin suppression test" ("GIST"). The GIST involves intravenous (into the vein) infusions of octreotide, a medication that turns off the body's own production of insulin, as well as replacement of insulin at two different levels (low and high), with or without replacement of glucagon, and glucose (sugar). The study investigators will check blood sugar levels every few minutes during the procedure to determine the effect of the two different insulin levels. This study will evaluate the GIST in both healthy volunteers and those at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Have a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 25 OR between 30 and 45.
- •Can read/speak English and/or Spanish and can give informed consent.
- •Have certain fasting insulin levels on screening (either normal range for the reference group or high insulin for the hyperinsulinemia group).
- •Can have blood pressure, heart rate, and heart tracing (EKG) that meet study requirements.
- •Are not on most diabetes medicines recently (metformin is allowed if you meet the study’s other screening rules).
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Cannot provide informed consent in English or Spanish.
- •Are unwilling to use a bedpan/urinal to pee or to avoid non-emergency mobile device use during the test.
- •Had significant weight loss (at least 5% of baseline weight) in the last 6 months.
- •Have blood pressure or heart rate measurements outside the study limits (for example, very low/high systolic or diastolic blood pressure, or resting heart rate that’s too low or too high).
- •Have health problems or abnormal screening test results such as diabetes/prediabetes by the study’s definitions, abnormal EKG findings, certain major liver/kidney problems, pregnancy/breastfeeding, or recent use of most diabetes medicines (insulin and several other diabetes drug types are excluded).
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓BMI in the study’s allowed range (18–25 or 30–45 kg/m²).
- ✓Has obesity as part of the study condition.
- ✓Able to consent and understand English/Spanish for screening and procedures.
- ✓Has screening bloodwork showing specific fasting insulin levels (euinsulinemia or hyperinsulinemia).
- ✓Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure, Kidney disease
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- !May require a break from current GLP-1 medications
How this study is designed
The real details, in plain words. Tap the underlined words to learn what they mean.
- ✓Everyone in this study receives an active treatment — there is no placebo group.
- •There are 3 groups in this study.
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
What's being tested
- Drug: Insulin regular, 2.0-3.2 mU/m2/min (euinsulinemia)
- Drug: Insulin regular, 32 mU/m2/min (hyperinsulinemia)
- Drug: Octreotide Acetate, 6-45 ng/kg/min
- Drug: Dextrose 20 % in Water
- Drug: Glucagon, 0-0.5 ng/kg/min
Has this treatment been tested before?
This is an early-stage study. The treatment has gone through laboratory and preliminary testing before being studied in people here.
Who's running this study?
Sponsor
Columbia University
Overseen by Joshua R Cook, MD, PhD
Every study is also reviewed by an independent that protects participants.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
The goal of this study is to learn about how the hormone insulin controls blood sugar in a variety of people. The main question it aims to answer is about how much insulin the body actually needs to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is an early study (Phase 1), focused mostly on safety. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
I take a GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic or Wegovy). Can I still join?+
Maybe. This study may ask you to pause certain weight or diabetes medications for a period of time (a 'washout') before joining, or it may be looking for people not currently on them. The coordinator will review your medications with you — don't stop any medication on your own.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. This study may also compensate you for your time and travel — the team will tell you the amount before you join. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06592261 · Locations: New York