Evaluating Glial Acetate Metabolism as a Biomarker of Hypoglycemic Complications in Diabetic Patients

Evaluating Glial Acetate Metabolism as a Biomarker of Hypoglycemic Complications in Diabetic Patients: A Proof of Concept Study.

A recent pilot study, GLIMPSE (NCT02690168), was recently completed which demonstrated that the rate of glial acetate metabolism (GAM) is closely associated with susceptibility to fasting-induced hypoglycemia in healthy adults. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia is a common complication of diabetes treatment and is a major barrier to the maintenance of healthy glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. The primary purpose of the study is to test the proof-of-concept that there is an association between the rate of GAM and susceptibility to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In order to observe such a relationship the rate of GAM will be measured in a patient population known to frequently experience hypoglycemia, i.e., individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female
• Ages 18-40 years
• Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes with positive antibodies or dependent on insulin therapy
• HbA1c of ≤8.5%
• Modified Clarke's Hypoglycemia Questionnaire score of 12-24
• Willing to participate in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication to MRI
• Consume >10 alcoholic drinks/week
• Current use of CGM
• Current use of insulin pump
• Current use of any diabetes medication other than insulin, e.g. SGLT1/2 inhibitors.
• Current use of steroids, e.g. cortisone, and prednisone.
• History of chronic smoking or have quit less than 10 years ago
• History of cancer in the past 5 years (individuals with basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer would be allowed)
• History of seizures
• Significant, cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neurologic, hematologic, rheumatologic, or psychiatric disease
• Significant liver disease as defined as more than twice the upper limit of normal for liver enzymes
• Significant renal disease as defined as a estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30
• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have been hospitalized or treated in the past 3 months for severe hypoglycemia
• Based on the investigative team's clinical judgement, a subject may not be appropriate for participation in the study.